JP7703374B2 - Mirror surface angle adjustment unit for vehicle outside mirror device, vehicle outside mirror device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a mirror angle adjustment unit in a vehicle outside mirror device. This invention also relates to a vehicle outside mirror device equipped with a mirror angle adjustment unit.

Mirror surface angle adjustment units in vehicle outside mirror devices, and vehicle outside mirror devices equipped with mirror surface angle adjustment units have been available for some time (for example, see Patent Document 1). The electric remote control mirror device (door mirror device) in Patent Document 1 will be described below.

The electric remote control mirror device of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a mirror tilt drive unit. The mirror tilt drive unit is composed of two motors, two worm gears, two worm wheel gear rotors with worm wheel gears, and two operating shafts with threaded portions screwed into threaded holes in the center of each worm wheel gear rotor. When the worm wheel gear rotors are rotated, the operating shafts move forward and backward in a linear direction due to the screw feed action.

The two motors are fixed to the tilt drive housing of the bracket, a holder is attached to the tilt drive housing, a pivot shaft is provided on the holder, a pivot plate is attached to the pivot shaft so that it can tilt three-dimensionally, and a mirror unit is fixed to the pivot plate. The pivot plate and the operating shaft of the mirror unit are connected via a first ball joint and a second ball joint. As a result, the mirror unit is held by the mirror tilt drive at three points: the pivot shaft, the first ball joint, and the second ball joint.

Then, by operating the switch, the motor rotates, rotating the worm wheel gear rotor and moving the operating shaft forward and backward in a linear direction. This causes the mirror unit to tilt in a curved direction, up and down around the horizontal axis connecting the pivot shaft and the first ball joint, and left and right around the vertical axis connecting the pivot shaft and the second ball joint. This allows the mirror unit to tilt in the desired direction that is optimal for rear visibility, and the angle of the mirror surface of the mirror unit is adjusted.

JP 2014-172541 A

In general vehicle outside mirror devices, including the electric remote control mirror device of Patent Document 1, it is important to minimize the vibration of the mirror unit caused by vibrations while the vehicle is traveling in order to ensure rearward visibility. To minimize the vibration of the mirror unit, it is necessary to increase the holding force of the three-point holding structure consisting of the pivot shaft that holds the mirror unit, the first ball joint, and the second ball joint.

However, in a typical vehicle outside mirror device, simply increasing the holding force of the three-point holding structure (pivot shaft, first ball joint, second ball joint) results in the three-point holding structure becoming larger, and the weight increases with increasing size. For this reason, in a typical vehicle outside mirror device, it is not desirable to simply increase the holding force of the three-point holding structure.

Therefore, in a typical vehicle outside mirror device, the principle that the moment of force is proportional to the distance is utilized to increase (lengthen) the distance between the three-point holding structure (the distance between the pivot shaft and the two ball joints). This allows the holding force of the three-point holding structure to be increased while keeping it small and lightweight, and reduces the wobble of the mirror unit.

However, in the electric remote control mirror device of Patent Document 1, the linear direction of the advance/retract movement of the operating shaft is different from the curved direction of the tilt of the mirror unit, so there is a limit to how large (long) the amount of advance/retract movement (advance/retract length) in the linear direction of the operating shaft can be made. As a result, the electric remote control mirror device of Patent Document 1 has a limit to how large (long) the distance between the three-point holding structures can be made, and this limits how large (long) the holding force of the three-point holding structures can be made while keeping the three-point holding structures small and lightweight.

In view of the above, in order to increase the holding force of the three-point holding structure while keeping it small and lightweight in size in a typical vehicle outside mirror device, it is important to increase (lengthen) the amount of movement (advancement and retreat) of the operating shaft.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a mirror surface angle adjustment unit for a vehicle outside mirror device, and a vehicle outside mirror device, that can increase (lengthen) the amount of movement (advancement and retreat) of the operating shaft, i.e., the rod.

The mirror surface angle adjustment unit in the vehicle outside mirror device of this invention is an outside mirror device for vehicles that includes a mirror unit, a holding unit to which the mirror unit is attached so as to be rotatable in at least one direction around at least one axis, and a mirror surface angle adjustment unit that adjusts the angle of the mirror surface of the mirror unit by rotating the mirror unit in one direction via the holding unit, characterized in that the mirror surface angle adjustment unit includes a casing attached to the holding unit, a motor and a rotational force transmission mechanism housed in the casing, and a rod that is attached to the casing and the rotational force transmission mechanism so as to be able to advance and retreat in one direction, with a portion protruding from the casing attached to the second holding member, the rotational force transmission mechanism having an output gear that outputs a rotational force, the rod being composed of an elastically deformable rack-shaped gear, meshing with the output gear by an elastic pressing force, and advancing and retreating in one direction by the rotation of the output gear.

In the mirror surface angle adjustment unit of the vehicle outside mirror device of this invention, it is preferable that the casing has an abutment portion that abuts on the side of the rod opposite the side that meshes with the output gear.

In the mirror surface angle adjustment unit of the vehicle outside mirror device of the present invention, it is preferable that the output gear is composed of a spur gear and the rod is composed of a part of the spur gear.

In the mirror surface angle adjustment unit of the vehicle outside mirror device of this invention, it is preferable that the center of the pitch circle of the rod is located on one axis or near one axis.

In the mirror surface angle adjustment unit in the vehicle outside mirror device of this invention, the rotational force transmission mechanism preferably includes a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism having a notch type or friction type clutch section and a load application section that applies a load to the clutch section, the clutch section being normally in an engaged state due to the load applied from the load application section, transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the rod, and being in a disengaged state against the load applied from the load application section when the mirror surface adjustment angle reaches the maximum angle, or when an external force acts on the mirror unit and on the rod.

The vehicle outside mirror device of this invention is an outside mirror device for vehicles that includes a base fixed to the vehicle body, a shaft fixed to the base, and a mirror assembly rotatably attached to the base via the shaft, and the mirror assembly includes a mirror unit, a holding unit, and the mirror surface angle adjustment unit of this invention, the mirror unit is composed of an integrated structure of a mirror housing and a mirror, and a storage space is formed inside, the holding unit is stored in the storage space, and includes a first holding member that is rotatably arranged around a storage axis that is the center line of the shaft, and a second holding member to which the mirror unit is attached and which is attached to the first holding member so as to be rotatable in at least one direction around at least one axis, and the mirror surface angle adjustment unit is attached to the first holding member and the second holding member, and rotates the mirror unit in one direction around one axis to adjust the angle of the mirror surface, which is the reflective surface of the mirror.

In the vehicle outside mirror device of this invention, the mirror assembly includes a storage unit, which has a fixed shaft and a rotating casing that is stored in the storage space and rotatably attached to the shaft about the storage axis and has a first holding member attached thereto, and it is preferable that the mirror unit is rotated about the storage axis between the storage position and the use position relative to the fixed shaft and base via the rotating casing and holding unit to be positioned in the storage position or the use position.

In the vehicle outside mirror device of the present invention, at least one axis has a first axis and a second axis that are mutually orthogonal or intersect, the holding unit holds the mirror unit so that it can rotate in two directions around the first axis and the second axis, the mirror angle adjustment unit includes a first mirror angle adjustment unit arranged above the storage unit and a second mirror angle adjustment unit arranged outside the vehicle with respect to the storage unit, the first mirror angle adjustment unit rotates the mirror unit around the first axis to adjust the angle of the mirror surface about the first axis, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit rotates the mirror unit around the second axis to adjust the angle of the mirror surface about the second axis, and the intersection of the first axis and the second axis is preferably the center of the holding unit that serves as the basis for adjusting the mirror angle, and is close to or located on the storage axis.

In the vehicle outside mirror device of the present invention, at least one axis is in a twisted position with respect to the storage axis or is an axis that intersects with the storage axis, the mirror angle adjustment unit is disposed above the storage unit and rotates the mirror unit around the single axis to adjust the angle of the mirror about the single axis, the storage unit rotates the rotating casing, holding unit, mirror angle adjustment unit and mirror unit with the storage axis as the center relative to the fixed shaft and base to adjust the angle of the mirror about the storage axis, and it is preferable that the single axis is located close to or on the storage axis.

The mirror surface angle adjustment unit in the vehicle outside mirror device of this invention, and the vehicle outside mirror device, can increase the amount of movement of the rod.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a mirror surface angle adjustment unit in a vehicle outside mirror device and a vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention in a used state. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state of use. FIG. 3 is an explanatory plan view (viewed in the direction of arrow III in FIG. 2) showing the use position, rear storage position, and front storage position (forward tilted position) of the mirror assembly. FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view (corresponding to FIG. 3) showing angle adjustment in the left-right direction (front-back direction) of the mirror surface. FIG. 5 is an explanatory side view (view taken along the arrow V in FIG. 2) showing the adjustment of the angle of the mirror surface in the vertical direction. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing components accommodated in the accommodation space of the mirror unit with the mirror removed. FIG. 7 is a front view of a right-side vehicle outside mirror device, showing components housed in a storage space of a mirror unit with the mirror removed. FIG. 8 is a front view of a left side vehicle outside mirror device, showing components housed in a storage space of a mirror unit with the mirror removed. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing components housed in the housing space of the mirror unit with a part cut away. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing components of a vehicle outside mirror device. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing components of the first mirror angle adjustment unit and the second mirror angle adjustment unit. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an attached state of the first mirror angle adjustment unit and the second mirror angle adjustment unit with their casings removed. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12) showing the attachment state of the first mirror angle adjustment unit and the second mirror angle adjustment unit. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the first mirror angle adjustment unit and the second mirror angle adjustment unit. FIG. 15 is a side view (view taken along the XV arrow in FIG. 14) showing the first mirror angle adjustment unit and the second mirror angle adjustment unit. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the advance/retract movement trajectory of one end of the first rod portion of the first mirror angle adjustment unit and the first clip, and the advance/retract movement trajectory of one end of the second rod portion of the second mirror angle adjustment unit and the second clip. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the storage unit. FIG. 18 is a side view showing the storage unit (view taken along the arrow XVIII in FIG. 17). FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the first fixed bracket. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the first fixed bracket (view taken along the arrow XX in FIG. 19). FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a washer. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the second fixed bracket. FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the second fixed bracket (view taken along the arrow XXIII in FIG. 22). FIG. 24 is a front view showing the first movable bracket. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the first movable bracket. FIG. 26 is a plan view showing the first movable bracket (view taken along the arrow XXVI in FIG. 25). FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the second movable bracket. FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the second movable bracket (view taken along the arrow XXVIII in FIG. 27). FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view (as viewed diagonally from the rear of the vehicle) showing the first mirror angle adjusting unit, the second mirror angle adjusting unit and the holding unit of the mirror assembly excluding the mirror unit. FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view (as viewed diagonally from the rear of the vehicle) showing the mirror unit, the first mirror angle adjusting unit, the second mirror angle adjusting unit and the holding unit of the mirror assembly. FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view (as viewed diagonally from the front of the vehicle) showing the first mirror angle adjusting unit, the second mirror angle adjusting unit and the holding unit of the mirror assembly excluding the mirror unit. FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view (as viewed diagonally from the front of the vehicle) showing the mirror unit, the first mirror angle adjusting unit, the second mirror angle adjusting unit and the holding unit of the mirror assembly. FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view, partially cut away, showing one end of a mirror surface angle adjusting unit (second mirror surface angle adjusting unit) of the mirror assembly, a clip (second clip), and a rib (second rib). FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view, partly cut away, showing one end of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit (second mirror surface angle adjusting unit) of the mirror assembly and the clip (second clip) attached thereto. FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view, partially cut away, showing one end of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit (second mirror surface angle adjusting unit) of the mirror assembly with the clip (second clip) and rib (second rib) attached. FIG. 36 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state when the mirror assembly is located at the neutral position. FIG. 37 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the mirror assembly is rotated upward from the neutral position. FIG. 38 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state when the mirror assembly is rotated downward from the neutral position. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram (corresponding to FIGS. 36, 37, and 38) showing the operating state of one end of the second rod and the second clip of the second mirror angle adjustment unit due to the upward and downward rotation of the mirror assembly. FIG. 40 is a plan view, with a part cut away, of the mirror unit, showing the state when the mirror assembly is located at the neutral position. FIG. 41 is a plan view with a part of the mirror unit cut away, showing the state when the mirror assembly is rotated outward (left side, rear side) from the neutral position. FIG. 42 is a plan view with a part of the mirror unit cut away, showing the state when the mirror assembly has rotated inward (to the right, front) from the neutral position. FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram (corresponding to FIGS. 40, 41, and 42) showing the operating state of one end of the second rod and the second clip of the second mirror angle adjustment unit due to left-right rotation of the mirror assembly. FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrically operated state of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit when the mirror assembly faces upward or outward due to the electrically operated mirror surface angle adjusting unit. FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrically operated state of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit when the mirror assembly faces downward or inward due to the electrically operated mirror surface angle adjusting unit. FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating state of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit when the mirror assembly is directed upward or outward due to an external force. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating state of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit when the mirror assembly is directed downward or inward by an external force. FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of components showing a modified example of the clutch mechanism of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit in the vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention. FIG. 49 is a plan view (corresponding to FIG. 40) showing a modification of a vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention, with a part of the mirror unit broken away.

The following describes in detail an example of an embodiment (example) of a mirror surface angle adjustment unit in a vehicle outside mirror device and a vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic diagrams, so main parts are shown and parts other than the main parts are omitted, and hatching is omitted except for a part in Figure 13, or some cross sections are omitted. Furthermore, Figures 6 to 12 and Figures 29 to 48 are illustrated in grayscale.

In this specification, front, rear, up, down, left, and right refer to the front, rear, up, down, left, and right when the vehicle mirror device of this invention is installed on a vehicle (not shown).

(Description of the configuration of the embodiment)
The mirror surface angle adjustment unit and the configuration of the vehicle outside mirror device according to this embodiment will be described below. In the drawings, reference numerals 1L and 1R denote the vehicle outside mirror device (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "door mirror device") according to this embodiment.

(Description of Door Mirror Devices 1L and 1R)
The door mirror devices 1L and 1R are respectively installed on the left and right doors (vehicle body) of a vehicle (automobile) (not shown). For example, the right door mirror device 1R shown in Fig. 7 is installed on the right door of the vehicle. Also, the left door mirror device 1L shown in Fig. 8 is installed on the left door of the vehicle.

The right door mirror device 1R will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the left door mirror device 1L is a mirror image of the right door mirror device 1R, and so a detailed description will be omitted. Also, in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7 indicate the same parts. Furthermore, in the right door mirror device 1R, the outside of the vehicle is the right side and the inside of the vehicle is the left side, and in the left door mirror device 1L, the outside of the vehicle is the left side and the inside of the vehicle is the right side.

The left and right door mirror devices 1L and 1R each include a base 2, a shaft 20, a mirror assembly 3, a spacer 4, a camera 5, and a harness assembly 50.

(Explanation of Base 2)
The base 2 is fixed to a door, which is a vehicle body. The inside of the base 2 communicates with the inside of the vehicle through an opening (not shown) provided in the body panel of the door, the door panel, or a panel (flush surface) of the door glass in the triangular portion at the front of the vehicle.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 10, the base 2 has a fixing part 21 in the shape of a vertical plate, an attachment part 22 in the shape of a horizontal plate, and a cover part 23. In this example, the fixing part 21 and the attachment part 22 are made of a resin having high rigidity (PA resin containing glass fibers). In this example, the cover part 23 is made of ABS resin.

The fixing part 21 is hollow. The left side of the fixing part 21 is open. The left opening of the fixing part 21 is fixed to the door (vehicle body) with a gasket or the like interposed therebetween by a screw or the like (not shown).

The mounting portion 22 is hollow. The bottom side of the mounting portion 22 is open. The mounting portion 22 is integrally provided on the lower edge portion of the right side of the fixing portion 21. The top surface of the mounting portion 22 faces the bottom surface of the mirror unit 3U described below. A shaft fixing portion 24 and a spacer support portion 25 are provided on the top surface of the mounting portion 22. A harness insertion hole 26 is provided in the center of the shaft fixing portion 24. Three screw insertion holes 28 are provided on the edge of the shaft fixing portion 24. A screw 27 is inserted into each of the three screw insertion holes 28.

The shaft fixing portion 24 has a cylindrical convex shape centered on the second axis V2. The spacer support portion 25 has a circular concave shape centered on the second axis V2. The harness insertion hole 26 is composed of a circular hole. The centers of the shaft fixing portion 24, the spacer support portion 25, and the harness insertion hole 26 are aligned.

(Explanation of shaft 20)
As shown in Figures 6 to 10, 17, 18, 29 to 31, 36 to 42, and 43, the shaft 20 has a fixed portion 200 having a circular flange shape and a cylindrical shaft portion 201 fixed integrally to the upper surface of the fixed portion 200. The fixed portion 200 has three boss portions 203 provided corresponding to the screw insertion holes 28. The three boss portions 203 have threaded holes. The screws 27 are screwed into the threaded holes. The fixed portion 200 and the shaft portion 201 have harness insertion holes 202. The centers of the fixed portion 200, the shaft portion 201, and the harness insertion holes 202 are aligned.

(Explanation of Mirror Assembly 3)
The mirror assembly 3 includes a mirror unit 3U, a storage unit 6, a holding unit 7, a first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and a second mirror angle adjustment unit 82. The mirror assembly 3 is rotatably attached to the base 2 via a shaft 20.

(Explanation of the mirror unit 3U)
1 to 10, the mirror unit 3U is an integral structure of a mirror housing 30 and a mirror 31. That is, the mirror unit 3U is a so-called frameless door mirror (having no frame around the periphery of the mirror). A storage space 35 is formed inside the mirror unit 3U.

In this example, the mirror housing 30 is made of ABS resin. The mirror housing 30 is made of a main body portion 32 and a ring portion 33. The main body portion 32 is hollow with an open rear surface. An attachment boss portion of the attachment portion 300 is provided on the inner surface of the main body portion 32. The ring portion 33 is ring-shaped.

In this example, the mirror 31 is made of plate glass. The mirror 31 has a reflective surface. Hereinafter, the reflective surface of the mirror 31 will be referred to as the "mirror surface."

The edge of the mirror 31 and the edge of the ring portion 33 are fixed integrally to the edge of the opening of the main body portion 32. As a result, the mirror housing 30 (i.e., the main body portion 32 and the ring portion 33) and the mirror 31 form an integrated mirror unit 3U.

A circular insertion hole 36 is provided in the left-side central portion of the lower wall of the main body 32 of the mirror housing 30. A rectangular window 37 that is long in the front-to-rear direction is provided in the right-side portion of the lower wall of the main body 32 of the mirror housing 30. A light-transmitting cover (not shown) is provided on the window 37.

As shown in Figs. 30, 33 to 43, a first rib 301 and a second rib 302 are integrally provided on the inner surface of the main body 32 of the mirror housing 30. The first rib 301 is made up of a pair of ribs and is provided on the upper part of the front wall of the main body 32 of the mirror housing 30, parallel or nearly parallel to the first axis V1 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The second rib 302 is made up of a pair of ribs and is provided on the right part (part outside the vehicle) of the front wall of the main body 32 of the mirror housing 30, parallel or nearly parallel to the second axis V2 in the up-down direction (vertical direction, perpendicular direction).

A semicircular first cutout 303 is provided in the center of each of the pair of first ribs 301. A semicircular second cutout 304 is provided in the center of each of the pair of second ribs 302.

(Explanation of Storage Unit 6)
In this example, the storage unit 6 is an electric storage unit. As shown in Figures 10, 17, and 18, the storage unit 6 has the shaft 20 on the fixed side, a casing 60 on the rotating side, a motor (not shown), and a rotational force transmission mechanism (not shown). The rotational force transmission mechanism includes a clutch mechanism and other mechanisms.

The casing 60 houses the shaft portion 201 of the shaft 20, the motor, and the rotational force transmission mechanism. The casing 60 and the shaft portion 201 of the shaft 20 are attached together via the rotational force transmission mechanism. As a result, the casing 60 is attached to the shaft portion 201 of the shaft 20 so as to be rotatable about the storage axis V0, which is the center line of the shaft portion 201 of the shaft 20.

The casing 60 is composed of a gear case and a cover. In this example, the gear case is composed of a resin having high rigidity (PA resin containing glass fiber). The gear case is provided with a first fixing part 601 and a second fixing part 602. The first fixing part 601 and the second fixing part 602 are each provided with a screw hole. A screw 73 is screwed into this screw hole. The casing 60 is stored in the storage space 35 of the mirror unit 3U.

The storage unit 6 rotates the mirror unit 3U, i.e., the mirror assembly 3, between the use position (set position) P1 and the rear storage position P2 around the storage axis V0 relative to the fixed shaft 20 and base 2 via the rotating casing 60 and the holding unit 7, to position it at the use position P1 or the rear storage position P2 (see Figure 3).

Stoppers 204, 603 are provided on the fixed portion 200 of the shaft 20 on the fixed side and the gear case of the casing 60 on the rotating side, respectively. These stoppers 204, 603 stop the mirror unit 3U, i.e., the mirror assembly 3, at the use position P1 or the rear storage position P2.

In this example, the stoppers 204, 603 of the stopping mechanism for the use position P1 or the rear storage position P2 are provided on the outside of the casing 60. The stopping mechanism may also be provided on the outside of the casing 60.

As shown in FIG. 3, the mirror assembly 3 can be rotated to a forward storage position (forward tilted position) P3 in addition to the use position P1 or rear storage position P2. A stop mechanism (not shown) is also provided to stop the mirror assembly 3 in this forward storage position P3.

(Description of holding unit 7)
The holding unit 7 is stored in the storage space 35 of the mirror unit 3U. As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 29 to Fig. 42, the holding unit 7 has a first holding member 71 of a fixed side portion, a second holding member 72 of a movable side portion, a washer 70, and a screw 73. The holding unit 7 holds the mirror unit 3U of the mirror assembly 3 via the second holding member 72 and the washer 70 relative to the first holding member 71 so as to be rotatable in two directions, respectively, around a first axis V1 and around a second axis V2.

The first holding member 71 is provided with a convex spherical pivot portion 710. The second holding member 72 is provided with a concave spherical pivot portion 720. The concave spherical pivot portion 720 of the second holding member 72 is attached to the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the first holding member 71 so as to be rotatable in two directions, around the first axis V1 and around the second axis V2. The washer 70 is sandwiched between the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the first holding member 71 and the concave spherical pivot portion 720 of the second holding member 72.

(Explanation of the first axis V1, the second axis V2, and the storage axis V0)
In this example, the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 are orthogonal to each other as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 intersect perpendicularly (at a right angle). The intersection of the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 constitutes the center CH of the holding unit 7 (hereinafter referred to as the "holding center CH"). The holding center CH serves as a reference for adjusting the mirror angle. The holding center CH is the center (pivot center) of the pivot portion 710 of the first holding member 71 and the pivot portion 720 of the second holding member 72. In this example, the holding center CH is close to the storage axis V0.

In this example, the first axis V1 is in a twisted position with respect to the storage axis V0, as shown in FIG. 4. Also, the first axis V1 and the storage axis V0 intersect perpendicularly, i.e., vertically (at a right angle), when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the first axis V1 is located on a second plane S2, which is a horizontal plane and includes the holding center CH, as shown in FIG. 16.

In this example, the second axis V2 is parallel to the storage axis V0 and is located on the rear and outer side of the vehicle, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4. Furthermore, the second axis V2 is located on the first plane S1, which is a plane that includes the holding center CH and is a vertical plane (perpendicular surface), as shown in Figure 16.

In this example, the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 intersect perpendicularly, but they may not intersect perpendicularly. In this case, the first axis V1 and the storage axis V0 do not intersect perpendicularly when viewed from the front, or the second axis V2 is not parallel to the storage axis V0.

In this example, the holding center CH is close to the storage axis V0, but it may be located on the storage axis V0. In this case, the second axis V2 and the storage axis V0 coincide. In other words, the second axis V2 and the storage axis V0 are one axis.

In addition, in this example, the first axis V1 is in a twisted position with respect to the storage axis V0, but it may also intersect with the storage axis V0. In this case, the first axis V1 and the storage axis V0 are in a state where they intersect perpendicularly, or in a state where they intersect but not perpendicularly.

(Description of First Holding Member 71)
As shown in FIG. 10 , the first holding member 71 is made up of a first fixed side bracket (first electrical bracket) 74 and a second fixed side bracket (second electrical bracket) 75 .

In this example, the first fixed bracket 74 is made of a resin having high rigidity (PA resin containing glass fiber). As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the first fixed bracket 74 is made of a first fixed portion 741, a second fixed portion 742, and a third fixed portion 743.

The first fixing part 741 is disposed above the third fixing part 743. The first fixing part 741 is provided with a boss and an opening for mounting the first casing 810 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81.

The second fixing part 742 is disposed to the right of the third fixing part 743. The second fixing part 742 is provided with a boss and an opening for attaching the second casing 820 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82. The underside of the second fixing part 742 is provided with a first mounting part 744 for attaching the camera 5. The first mounting part 744 is composed of a boss having a screw hole. The screw 73 is screwed into this screw hole.

The third fixed portion 743 is shaped like a portion of a hemisphere that covers the rear side of the casing 60 of the storage unit 6. A convex spherical pivot portion 710 is provided on the front surface of the third fixed portion 743 (the surface facing the first movable side bracket 76). An insertion hole is provided in the center of the third fixed portion 743. A screw 73 for attaching the first fixed side bracket 74 to the storage unit 6 is inserted into this insertion hole.

The second fixing portion 742 and the third fixing portion 743 are provided with a second mounting portion 745 and a third mounting portion 746 for mounting the second fixed side bracket 75. The second mounting portion 745 is composed of a boss portion having a fitting hole. The third mounting portion 746 is composed of a fitting protrusion.

A recess 747 is provided in the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the third fixing portion 743 on the opposite side to the second fixing portion 742, in the equatorial direction of the convex spherical pivot portion 710.

In this example, the second fixed bracket 75 is made of ABS resin. As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the second fixed bracket 75 is made of a first fixed portion 751 and a second fixed portion 752.

The first fixed portion 751 corresponds to the third fixed portion 743 of the first fixed side bracket 74. The first fixed portion 751 has the shape of a part of a hemisphere that covers the front side of the casing 60 of the storage unit 6. A convex spherical pivot portion 710 is provided on the rear surface of the first fixed portion 751 (the surface facing the second movable side bracket 77).

The second fixed portion 752 corresponds to the second fixed portion 742 of the first fixed side bracket 74. The second fixed portion 752 is disposed to the right of the first fixed portion 751.

The first fixing portion 751 and the second fixing portion 752 are provided with a first mounting portion 753 and a second mounting portion 754 for mounting to the first fixed side bracket 74. The first mounting portion 753 is composed of a boss portion having a fitting hole. The second mounting portion 754 is composed of a fitting protrusion portion.

A recess 755 is provided in the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the first fixing portion 751 on the opposite side to the second fixing portion 752, in the equatorial direction of the convex spherical pivot portion 710.

(Explanation of Washer 70)
In this example, the washer 70 is made of POM resin. As shown in Fig. 21, the washer 70 has a ring shape with a portion cut out, and the central portion protrudes outward in an arc shape from both the upper and lower edge portions.

A circular first through hole 701 and a circular second through hole 702 are provided at both ends of the washer 70. An elongated hole 703 is provided in the middle of the washer 70.

(Description of second holding member 72)
The second holding member 72 is composed of a first movable side bracket (first housing bracket) 76 and a second movable side bracket (second housing bracket) 77 .

In this example, the first movable bracket 76 is made of ABS resin. As shown in Figures 24, 25, and 26, the first movable bracket 76 is provided with a cylindrical (round pin) first mounting portion 761, a rectangular first mounting window portion 7610, a cylindrical (round pin) second mounting portion 762, a rectangular second mounting window portion 7620, and a third mounting portion 763.

The first mounting portion 761 and the first mounting window portion 7610 are disposed above the third mounting portion 763 and on or near the first plane S1 (see FIG. 16).

The center line of the cylindrical (round pin) first mounting portion 761 is parallel or nearly parallel to the second axis V2. The long side direction (longitudinal direction) of the rectangular first mounting window portion 7610 is parallel or nearly parallel to the first axis V1. The first mounting portion 761 is provided in the center of the long side direction (longitudinal direction) of the first mounting window portion 7610.

The second mounting portion 762 and the second mounting window portion 7620 are located to the right of the third mounting portion 763 and on or near the second plane S2 (see FIG. 16).

The center line of the cylindrical (round pin) second mounting portion 762 is parallel or nearly parallel to the first axis V. The long side direction (longitudinal direction) of the rectangular second mounting window portion 7620 is parallel or nearly parallel to the second axis V2. The second mounting portion 762 is provided in the center of the long side direction (longitudinal direction) of the second mounting window portion 7620.

The third mounting portion 763 is shaped like a portion of a hemisphere that covers the washer 70 and the first fixed side bracket 74. A concave spherical pivot portion 720 is provided on the rear surface of the third mounting portion 763 (the surface facing the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the first fixed side bracket 74).

The first movable side bracket 76 is provided with two fourth mounting portions 764 for mounting the second movable side bracket 77, and two fifth mounting portions 765 for mounting to the mirror housing 30 of the mirror unit 3U.

The fourth mounting portion 764 on the left side is composed of a flange portion having a screw hole. The fourth mounting portion 764 on the right side is composed of a protrusion portion having a screw hole. Screws 73 are screwed into the screw holes of the two fourth mounting portions.

The fifth mounting portion 765 on the left side is composed of a piece having an insertion hole. The fifth mounting portion 765 on the right side is composed of a flange portion having an insertion hole. The screws 73 are inserted into the insertion holes of the two fifth mounting portions 765.

A convex portion 766 is provided on the opposite side of the concave spherical pivot portion 720 of the third mounting portion 763 from the second mounting portion 762, corresponding to the concave portion 747 of the first fixed side bracket 74.

In this example, the second movable bracket 77 is made of ABS resin. As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the second movable bracket 77 has the shape of a portion of a hemisphere that covers the washer 70 and the second fixed bracket 75.

A concave spherical pivot portion 720 is provided on the front surface of the second movable bracket 77 (the surface facing the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the second fixed bracket 75). A convex portion 770 is provided on the concave spherical pivot portion 720 of the second movable bracket 77 in correspondence with the concave portion 755 of the second fixed bracket 75.

The second movable bracket 77 has two mounting portions 771 for mounting to the first movable bracket 76. The left mounting portion 771 is made up of a flange portion with an insertion hole. The right mounting portion 771 is made up of a boss portion with an insertion hole. The screw 73 is inserted into this insertion hole.

(Description of First Rotation Range Restriction Unit 91 and Second Rotation Range Restriction Unit 92)
The first holding member 71 and the second holding member 72 are provided with a first rotation range restricting portion 91 and a second rotation range restricting portion 92. Hereinafter, the first rotation range restricting portion 91 and the second rotation range restricting portion 92 will be described with reference to Figs. 36 to 42.

The first rotation range regulating part 91 regulates the range in which the mirror unit 3U rotates around the first axis V1 (see Figures 37 and 38). The first rotation range regulating part 91 has a first stopper 901 and a second stopper 902. The first stopper 901 and the second stopper 902 are provided on the first holding member 71 and the second holding member 72, respectively.

The second rotation range regulating part 92 regulates the range in which the mirror unit 3U rotates around the second axis V2 (see Figures 41 and 42). The second rotation range regulating part 92 has a first stopper 901, a second stopper 902, a third stopper 903, a fourth stopper 904, a fifth stopper 905, and a sixth stopper 906. The first stopper 901, the second stopper 902, the third stopper 903, the fourth stopper 904, the fifth stopper 905, and the sixth stopper 906 are provided on the first holding member 71 and the second holding member 72, respectively.

The first stopper 901 and the second stopper 902 serve as both the first rotation range regulating part 91 and the second rotation range regulating part 92. The third stopper 903, the fourth stopper 904, the fifth stopper 905, and the sixth stopper 906 are dedicated to the second rotation range regulating part 92.

The first stopper 901 of the first retaining member 71 is a convex portion (pin structure) provided in the center of the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the third fixed portion 743 of the first fixed side bracket 74, as shown in FIG. 20. The first stopper 901 of the second retaining member 72 is an inner peripheral surface of a circular through hole provided in the center of the concave spherical pivot portion 720 of the third mounting portion 763 of the first movable side bracket 76, as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25.

The second stopper 902 of the first holding member 71 is made of the inner peripheral surface of a circular recess provided in the center of the convex spherical pivot part 710 of the first fixed part 751 of the second fixed side bracket 75, as shown in FIG. 22. The second stopper 902 of the second holding member 72 is made of the outer peripheral surface of a circular protrusion provided in the center of the concave spherical pivot part 720 of the second movable side bracket 77, as shown in FIG. 28.

The third stopper 903 of the first holding member 71 is formed from one end surface of the recess 747 of the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the first fixed side bracket 74, as shown in FIG. 20. The third stopper 903 of the second holding member 72 is formed from one end surface of the convex portion 766 of the first movable side bracket 76, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26.

The fourth stopper 904 of the first holding member 71 is a protrusion (pin structure) provided on the portion of the third fixing portion 743 of the first fixed side bracket 74 on the second fixing portion 742 side, as shown in FIG. 20. The fourth stopper 904 of the second holding member 72 is a surface (wall surface) of the portion between the third mounting portion 763 and the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable side bracket 76, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26.

The fifth stopper 905 of the first holding member 71 is formed from one end surface of the recess 755 of the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the second fixed side bracket 75, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. The fifth stopper 905 of the second holding member 72 is formed from one end surface of the convex portion 770 of the second movable side bracket 77, as shown in Figure 28.

The sixth stopper 906 of the first holding member 71 is a protrusion (pin structure) provided in the portion between the first fixed portion 751 and the second fixed portion 752 of the second fixed side bracket 75, as shown in Figs. 22 and 23. The sixth stopper 906 of the second holding member 72 is one surface of the right-side mounting portion of the second movable side bracket 77, as shown in Fig. 28.

Since mirror angle adjustment may be performed manually, a force greater than the electric force of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 may act on the first rotation range regulating unit 91 and the second rotation range regulating unit 92. In addition, when the mirror assembly 3 is manually rotated to the rear storage position P2 or the front storage position P3, a force always acts on the first rotation range regulating unit 91 and the second rotation range regulating unit 92.

For this reason, it is preferable that the first stopper 901, the second stopper 902, the third stopper 903, the fourth stopper 904, the fifth stopper 905 and the sixth stopper 906 of the first rotation range regulating part 91 and the second rotation range regulating part 92 have a strong structure.

(Description of First Mirror Angle Adjusting Unit 81 and Second Mirror Angle Adjusting Unit 82)
The first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 are mirror angle adjustment units in the vehicle outside mirror device according to this embodiment.

The first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 are attached to the first holding member 71 (first fixed side bracket 74 and second fixed side bracket 75) and the second holding member 72 (first movable side bracket 76 and second movable side bracket 77) of the holding unit 7, respectively, as shown in Figures 36 to 42.

The first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is disposed above the storage unit 6, as shown in Figures 6 to 10. The first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 rotates the mirror unit 3U around the first axis V1 to adjust the angle of the mirror surface (the reflective surface of the mirror 31) around the first axis V1. The mirror angle adjustment direction of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is the up-down direction centered around the first axis V1.

The second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is disposed on the right side of the storage unit 6 (outside the vehicle) as shown in Figures 6 to 10. The second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 rotates the mirror unit 3U around the second axis V2 to adjust the angle of the mirror surface (the reflective surface of the mirror 31) around the second axis V2. The mirror angle adjustment direction of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is the left-right direction (inward and outward directions of the vehicle) around the second axis V2.

As shown in Figures 11 to 16, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 each include a first casing 810, a second casing 820, a first rod 811, a second rod 821, a first clip 812, a second clip 822, a first motor 813, a second motor 823, a first rotational force transmission mechanism 814, and a second rotational force transmission mechanism 824.

The first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 of the right door mirror device 1R shown in FIG. 7 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 of the left door mirror device 1L shown in FIG. 8 can be used together. Also, the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 of the right door mirror device 1R shown in FIG. 7 and the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 of the left door mirror device 1L shown in FIG. 8 can be used together.

(Explanation of the First Casing 810 and the Second Casing 820)
In this example, the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 are made of ABS resin. The first casing 810 and the second casing 820 are attached to the first fixing portion 741 and the second fixing portion 742 of the first holding member 71 by the screws 73, respectively.

As shown in Figures 11, 13 to 15, the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 each have a hollow structure and are divided into two parts, top and bottom and left and right. The first casing 810 and the second casing 820 house and hold a first rod 811, a second rod 821, a first motor 813, a second motor 823, a first rotational force transmission mechanism 814, and a second rotational force transmission mechanism 824, respectively.

The first casing 810 and the second casing 820, which are divided into two parts, are attached together by screws 8100 and 8200, with the first rod 811, the second rod 821, the first motor 813, the second motor 823, the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814, and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824 housed therein, respectively.

The rod storage sections 8101, 8201 of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 in which the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are stored are curved in the same direction as the mirror angle adjustment direction and communicate with the outside through two openings. The storage sections 8102, 8202 of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 are shaped to store the first motor 813, the second motor 823, the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814, and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824.

The first casing 810 and the second casing 820 each have abutting portions 8103 and 8203 on the side of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 opposite to the side that meshes with the output gears (second clutch gears 8172 and 8272) described below (see FIG. 13). The abutting portions 8103 and 8203 are rib-shaped with a semicircular cross section that protrude toward the first rod 811 and the second rod 821, and are integrally provided on the edges of the two openings of the rod storage portions 8101 and 8201, respectively.

In this example, the abutment portions 8103 and 8203 are in the form of two circular ribs and are provided on the edges of the two openings of the rod storage portions 8101 and 8201. However, the shape, number, and location of the abutment portions 8103 and 8203 are not particularly limited.

The rear surfaces of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 are opposing surfaces 8104 and 8204 that face the mirror 31 of the mirror unit 3U, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, 14, 15, and 43. The opposing surfaces 8104 and 8204 of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 are inclined as follows.

The opposing surface 8104 of the first casing 810 is inclined so that the distance between the mirror 31 of the mirror unit 3U positioned in the neutral position (position shown in FIG. 36) increases from the side closer to the first axis V1 (lower side in FIGS. 6 to 8) to the side farther from the first axis V1 (upper side in FIGS. 6 to 8). This makes it possible to prevent the mirror 31 from hitting the first casing 810 when the mirror unit 3U faces upward as shown in FIG. 37.

The opposing surface 8204 of the second casing 820 is inclined so that the distance between the mirror 31 of the mirror unit 3U positioned in the neutral position (position shown in Fig. 40 and Fig. 43(B)) increases from the side closer to the second axis V2 (left side in Figs. 6 to 8 and Fig. 43) to the side farther from the second axis V2 (right side in Figs. 6 to 8 and Fig. 43). This makes it possible to prevent the mirror 31 from hitting the second casing 820 when the mirror unit 3U faces to the right (outside the vehicle) as shown in Fig. 41.

(Explanation of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821)
The first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are made of an elastic material, in this example, POM (or PA, PPS, or PPF). As shown in Figures 11 to 15, the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are curved in the same direction as the mirror surface angle adjustment direction.

The first rod 811 is curved in the vertical direction centered on the first axis V1, which is the mirror angle adjustment direction of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the first rod 811 is curved on the first plane S1, centered on the first axis V1 on the second plane S2 (see the arc arrows of symbols 8110 and 812).

The second rod 821 is curved in the left-right direction centered on the second axis V2, which is the mirror angle adjustment direction of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the second rod 821 is curved on the second plane S2 centered on the second axis V2 on the first plane S1 (see the arc arrows of symbols 8210 and 822).

The first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are respectively attached to the first casing 810, the second casing 820 and the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814, the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824 so as to be movable forward and backward in the same direction as the mirror surface angle adjustment direction. Most of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are respectively stored and held in the rod storage portions 8101, 8201 of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 so as to be movable forward and backward in the same direction as the mirror surface angle adjustment direction.

One end 8110 of a portion of the first rod 811 and one end 8210 of a portion of the second rod 821 protrude from one opening of the rod storage portion 8101, 8201 of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820, respectively, and are attached to the first mounting portion 761 and the second mounting portion 762 of the second holding member 72 by the first clip 812 and the second clip 822.

One end 8110, 8210 of the first rod 811 and one end 8210 of the second rod 821 are each wider than the other portions of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821. Engagement protrusions 8111, 8211 are integrally provided above and below one end 8110 of the first rod 811, and on the left and right of one end 8210 of the second rod 821, respectively.

The first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are composed of elastically deformable rack-shaped gears. The rack-shaped gears are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821, which are curved (arc) shaped.

The rack-shaped gears of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are engaged with the output gears (second clutch gears 8172, 8272) by the elastic pressing force of the curved first rod 811 and the second rod 821 themselves (see the white arrows in Figures 11 to 13). The curved first rod 811 and the second rod 821 advance and retreat in the same direction as the mirror surface angle adjustment direction by the rotation of the output gears (second clutch gears 8172, 8272).

The abutment portions 8103, 8203 of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 abut the sides of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 opposite the rack-shaped gear with which the output gear (second clutch gear 8172, 8272) meshes (the inner peripheral surface side of the curved first rod 811 and the second rod 821) (see FIG. 13).

The curved first rod 811 and second rod 821 are formed as part of a spur gear. The centers of the pitch circles of the curved first rod 811 and second rod 821 are located on the first axis V1 on the second plane S2 and on the second axis V2 on the first plane S1 (see FIG. 16). The centers of the pitch circles of the curved first rod 811 and second rod 821 may be located near the first axis V1 on the second plane S2 and the second axis V2 on the first plane S1.

(First clip 812, second clip 822)
The first clip 812 and the second clip 822 are made of an elastic material, in this example, ABS or POM. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the first clip 812 and the second clip 822 are made of a center portion and both end portions.

The two end portions protrude integrally in the same direction from both ends of the central portion. The two end portions each have a mating recess 8120, 8220 at the center of the protruding tip. The two end portions each have a protruding ridge 8121, 8221 at both side surfaces.

Both sides of the mating recess 8120 of the first clip 812 are elastically fitted into the mating protrusion 8111 of the first rod 811 in a sandwiched state in a direction parallel or nearly parallel to the second axis V2. As a result, a curved first mating slot 815 is formed between the first clip 812 and the first rod 811. Both sides of the mating recess 8220 of the second clip 822 are elastically fitted into the mating protrusion 8211 of the second rod 821 in a sandwiched state in a direction parallel or nearly parallel to the first axis V1. As a result, a curved second mating slot 825 is formed between the second clip 822 and the second rod 821.

The center of the curved first fitting slot 815 is located on the second axis V2. The center of the curved second fitting slot 825 is located on the first axis V1. The centers of the first fitting slot 815 and the second fitting slot 825 may be located near the second axis V2 and the first axis V1.

The first mounting portion 761 and the second mounting portion 762 of the second retaining member 72 are press-fitted into the first fitting slot 815 and the second fitting slot 825, respectively. That is, the wall surfaces of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 and the wall surfaces of the first clip 812 and the second clip 822 that form the first fitting slot 815 and the second fitting slot 825 are elastically fitted to each other in a slightly overlapping manner, as shown in Figures 34 and 39.

As a result, one end 8110 of a portion of the first rod 811 and one end 8210 of a portion of the second rod 821 are attached to the first mounting portion 761 and the second mounting portion 762 of the second holding member 72 by the first clip 812 and the second clip 822, respectively.

The attachment point between one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 and the first attachment portion 761 of the second holding member 72 is the first connection point JP1 that connects the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the mirror unit 3U. Similarly, the attachment point between one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 and the second attachment portion 762 of the second holding member 72 is the second connection point JP2 that connects the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 and the mirror unit 3U.

(Description of First Motor 813 and Second Motor 823)
The first motor 813 and the second motor 823 are housed and held in housing portions 8102 and 8202 of a first casing 810 and a second casing 820 which have a two-piece structure.

The first motor 813 and the second motor 823 are provided with a switch circuit board. The switch circuit board is provided with terminals. The terminals are arranged in the connector parts of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820. The first motor 813 and the second motor 823 are supplied with power by electrically connecting the first mirror angle adjustment connector 560 and the second mirror angle adjustment connector 570 of the harness assembly 50 described below to the terminals of the connector parts of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820.

(Description of First Rotational Force Transmission Mechanism 814 and Second Rotational Force Transmission Mechanism 824)
The first rotational force transmission mechanism 814 and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824 are housed and held in storage portions 8102, 8202 of a first casing 810 and a second casing 820, which have a two-piece structure.

As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814 and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824 include a first reduction mechanism 816, a second reduction mechanism 826, a first clutch mechanism 817, and a second clutch mechanism 827.

(Explanation of the first reduction mechanism 816 and the second reduction mechanism 826)
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first reduction mechanism 816 and the second reduction mechanism 826 have first worm gears 8161, 8261, second worm gears 8162, 8262, and helical gears 8163, 8263 that are intermediate gears.

The first worm gears 8161, 8261 are attached to the drive shafts of the first motor 813 and the second motor 823. This constitutes (produces) a motor unit (assembly, ASSY). Meanwhile, helical gears 8163, 8263 are fixed to the shafts of the second worm gears 8162, 8262. This allows the second worm gears 8162, 8262 and the helical gears 8163, 8263 to rotate simultaneously on the same axis. The first worm gears 8161, 8261 and the helical gears 8163, 8263 are meshed with each other.

(Description of First Clutch Mechanism 817 and Second Clutch Mechanism 827)
As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the first clutch mechanism 817 and the second clutch mechanism 827 have clutch shafts 8170, 8270, first clutch gears 8171, 8271, second clutch gears 8172, 8272, washers 8173, 8273, coil-shaped clutch springs 8174, 8274, and push nuts 8175, 8275.

The upper ends of the clutch shafts 8170 and 8270 are fixed integrally to the central parts of the first clutch gears 8171 and 8271. The second clutch gears 8172 and 8272, washers 8173 and 8273, clutch springs 8174 and 8274, and push nuts 8175 and 8275 are fitted to the clutch shafts 8170 and 8270 in this order. The second clutch gears 8172 and 8272, washers 8173 and 8273, and clutch springs 8174 and 8274 are rotatable relative to the clutch shafts 8170 and 8270. The push nuts 8175 and 8275 are fixed by tightening to one end of the clutch shafts 8170 and 8270 (the end opposite the end on the first clutch gears 8171 and 8271 side) when the clutch springs 8174 and 8274 are compressed. This forms (produces) the unit (assembly, ASSY) of the first clutch mechanism 817 and the second clutch mechanism 827.

The first clutch gears 8171, 8271 and the second worm gears 8162, 8262 are meshed with each other. The second clutch gears 8172, 8272 are the output gears that output the rotational force of the first motor 813 and the second motor 823. As a result, the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814 and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824 have output gears (second clutch gears 8172, 8272) that output the rotational force. Hereinafter, the output gears are referred to as the second clutch gears 8172, 8272. The rack-shaped gears of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are meshed with the second clutch gears 8172, 8272 by the elastic pressing force of the curved first rod 811 and the second rod 821 themselves (see the white arrows in Figures 11 to 13).

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, notch-type clutch sections 8176, 8276 are provided on the lower surface of the first clutch gears 8171, 8271 and the upper surface of the second clutch gears 8172, 8272, respectively. The notch-type clutch sections 8176, 8276 are composed of a plurality of concave and convex notches. The plurality of concave and convex notches are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the center line of the clutch shafts 8170, 8270. The number of concave and convex notches is arbitrary.

The elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch springs 8174, 8274 in a compressed state is applied as a load to the clutch parts 8176, 8276. The clutch springs 8174, 8274 are load application parts. In this example, the clutch springs 8174, 8274 as load application parts are composed of coil springs, but they may also be composed of wave washers or disc springs.

The multiple concave and convex notches of the clutch units 8176, 8276 are normally engaged with each other due to the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch springs 8174, 8274. As a result, the clutch units 8176, 8276 transmit the rotational force of the first motor 813 and the second motor 823 to the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 via the first reduction mechanism 816, the second reduction mechanism 826, the first clutch mechanism 817, and the second clutch mechanism 827. As a result, as described above, the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 each advance and retreat in the same direction as the mirror angle adjustment direction.

When the mirror adjustment angle reaches its maximum angle, the multiple concave and convex notches of the clutch parts 8176, 8276 disengage from each other against the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch springs 8174, 8274, and enter a disconnected state. As a result, the rotational forces of the first motor 813 and second motor 823 are not transmitted to the first rod 811 and second rod 821. This makes it possible to prevent (avoid) the first motor 813 and second motor 823 from locking up.

In addition, when an external force acts on the mirror unit 3U and then on the first rod 811 and the second rod 821, the multiple concave and convex notches of the clutch parts 8176 and 8276 disengage from each other against the elastic restoring force (spring force) of the clutch springs 8174 and 8274, and enter a disconnected state. As a result, the external force is transmitted to the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814 and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824.
(Except for the second clutch gears 8172 and 8272 of the output gears.) This makes it possible to prevent damage to the first mirror surface angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror surface angle adjustment unit 82 (particularly the internal gears).

(Description of the assembly process of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82)
The assembly process of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 will be described below.

First, as described above, the motor units of the first motor 813 and the second motor 823, and the clutch units of the first clutch mechanism 817 and the second clutch mechanism 827 are created.

Next, the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 are assembled into the rod storage portions 8101, 8201 of the first casing 810 and the second casing 820 on one side (the left side, lower side) of the two-part structure.

Next, in the storage portions 8102, 8202 of the first casing 810 and second casing 820 on one side (left side, lower side), the clutch units of the first clutch mechanism 817 and second clutch mechanism 827, the second worm gears 8162, 8262 and helical gears 8163, 8263, and the motor units of the first motor 813 and second motor 823 are assembled. At this time, a lubricant such as grease is applied to the sliding parts (particularly the sliding parts of the first rod 811 and second rod 821).

Then, the first casing 810 and second casing 820 on one side (left side, lower side) are covered with the first casing 810 and second casing 820 on the other side (right side, upper side). The screws 8100 and 8200 are tightened into the two-piece first casing 810 and second casing 820. This completes the assembly of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82.

(Explanation of the circular arc trajectories of one end 8110, 8210 of the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 and the first clip 812 and the second clip 822)
As described above, the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 move forward and backward in the same direction as the mirror angle adjustment direction by transmitting the rotational forces of the first motor 813 and the second motor 823 via the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814 and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824.

As a result, as shown by the solid-line arc arrow in Figure 16, one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 draw an arc trajectory on the first plane S1, centered on the first axis V1 on the second plane S2. This adjusts the angle of the mirror surface around the first axis V1.

As shown by the solid-line arc arrow in FIG. 16, one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 draw an arc trajectory on the second plane S2, centered on the second axis V2 on the first plane S1. This adjusts the angle of the mirror surface around the second axis V2.

The distance between one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the holding center CH, and the distance between one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the holding center CH are farther apart than at least one of the distance between the storage axis V0 and the holding center CH or the distance between the holding center CH and the center of gravity CG.

Here, the holding center CH and the center of gravity CG of the mirror unit 3U and the second holding member 72 are close to each other. Note that the holding center CH and the center of gravity CG may coincide with each other.

(Description of center of gravity CG)
The center of gravity CG is the center of gravity of a movable part that rotates in two directions, respectively around a first axis V1 and a second axis V2, relative to a fixed part of the mirror assembly 3. The movable part of the mirror assembly 3 has a mirror unit 3U (comprised of a mirror housing 30 (comprised of a main body part 32 and a ring part 33) and a mirror 31), a second holding member 72 of the holding unit 7 (comprised of a first movable side bracket 76 and a second movable side bracket 77), and a screw 73.

The fixed portion of the mirror assembly 3 includes a storage unit 6, a first holding member 71 of the holding unit 7 (consisting of a first fixed side bracket 74 and a second fixed side bracket 75), a first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, a second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, a camera 5, and a harness assembly 50.

The entire mirror assembly 3, excluding the shaft 20, is the movable part that rotates around the storage axis V0 relative to the fixed part of the shaft 20 and the base 2.

(Explanation of Spacer 4)
In this example, the spacer 4 is made of POM resin and is interposed between the base 2 and the mirror housing 30 as shown in FIGS.

The spacer 4 rotates together with the mirror unit 3U relative to the base 2 when the mirror unit 3U rotates around the storage axis V0 and when the mirror unit 3U rotates around the second axis V2. When the mirror unit 3U rotates around the first axis V1, the spacer 4 does not rotate together with the mirror unit 3U and is in a stationary state together with the base 2.

As shown in FIG. 10, the spacer 4 has a cylindrical shape with a low height (short axial length). A circular insertion hole 40 is provided in the center of the spacer 4. The insertion hole 40 of the spacer 4 coincides with the insertion hole 36 of the mirror housing 30.

The central axis of the spacer 4 coincides with or nearly coincides with the second axis V2. The center of the insertion hole 40 of the spacer 4 coincides with or nearly coincides with the storage axis V0. Therefore, in a plan view of the spacer 4 (viewed from above), the outline circle of the spacer 4 and the circle of the insertion hole 40 are mutually offset. Note that a plan view of the spacer 4 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 36, the spacer 4 has a step surface 43 formed between the upper part 41 and the lower part 42. The upper part 41 has a larger diameter than the lower part 42. The lower part 42 has a convex shape that protrudes downward from the step surface 43, and is fitted into the concave spacer support part 25 of the base 2 so as to be rotatable in two directions, around the storage axis V0 and around the second axis V2.

The edge of the insertion hole 36 of the mirror unit 3U and the edge of the insertion hole 40 of the spacer 4 are provided with mating surfaces 38, 44, respectively (see FIG. 36). The mating surface 38 of the mirror unit 3U and the mating surface 44 of the spacer 4 are formed of a surface of revolution with the first axis V1 as the center line, in this example, a spherical surface.

As a result, the edge of the insertion hole 36 of the mirror unit 3U forms a spherical convex shape following the spherical mating surface 38. On the other hand, the edge of the insertion hole 40 of the spacer 4 forms a spherical concave shape following the spherical mating surface 44.

The mating surface 38 of the mirror unit 3U and the mating surface 44 of the spacer 4 may be other than the spherical surface in this example. For example, they may be a barrel surface of a surface of rotation with the first axis V1 as its center line, or a cylindrical surface of a surface of rotation with the first axis V1 as its center line.

Engagement portions 39, 45 are provided on the mating surface 38 of the mirror unit 3U and the mating surface 44 of the spacer 4, respectively, in the rotational direction about the first axis V1 (see Figures 1, 2, 6 to 8, and 10). In this example, the engagement portion 39 of the mirror unit 3U is concave. On the other hand, the engagement portion 45 of the spacer 4 is convex. Note that the engagement portion 39 of the mirror unit 3U may be convex and the engagement portion 45 of the spacer 4 may be concave.

The engagement portions 39, 45 engage with each other when the mirror unit 3U rotates around the storage axis V0 and when it rotates around the second axis V2, and the spacer 4 rotates together with the mirror unit 3U relative to the base 2.

When the mirror unit 3U rotates around the first axis V1, the engagement portions 39 and 45 slide relative to each other, so that the spacer 4 does not rotate with the mirror unit 3U and remains stationary with the base 2.

Of the shaping surfaces (design surfaces, external surfaces) of the mirror unit 3U, the shaping surface including the boundary with the mating surface 38 of the mirror unit 3U, and the surface of the mating surface 44 of the spacer 4 including the contour of the edge facing the shaping surface, are composed of surfaces that extend perpendicularly to the plane of the curved straight line on the plane including the storage axis V0 and the second axis V2.

In this example, the curved straight line is extended perpendicular to the plane to form the modeling surface of the mirror unit 3U and the surface of the spacer 4, but a straight line, curve, or free curve other than the curved straight line may be extended perpendicular to the plane to form the modeling surface of the mirror unit 3U and the surface of the spacer 4.

The step surface 43 of the spacer 4 faces the underside of the vehicle. Therefore, the step surface 43 of the spacer 4 is placed on the upper surface of the mounting portion 22 of the base 2 (the surface facing the mirror unit 3U).

The outer peripheral wall portion (outer peripheral edge portion) of the upper portion 41 of the spacer 4 is a flange portion having a flange shape. The flange portion (upper portion 41) is disposed between the opposing surface of the mounting portion 22 of the base 2 and the mating surface 38 of the mirror unit 3U. The flange portion (upper portion 41) has a size that covers the recessed opening of the spacer support portion 25 even when the spacer 4 and the mirror unit 3U are both rotated in two directions, around the storage axis V0 and around the second axis V2.

(Description of Camera 5 and Harness Assembly 50)
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 29 to 32 , the camera 5 has a main body portion 51 , a lens portion 52 , and an attachment portion 53 .

As shown in Figures 10, 29 to 32, the harness assembly 50 includes a camera harness 54, an electrical harness 55, a first mirror angle adjustment harness 56, and a second mirror angle adjustment harness 57.

The camera 5 is electrically connected to the end of the camera harness 54. As a result, the camera 5 and the harness assembly 50 form an integrated assembly. The electrical connector 550 is electrically connected to the end of the electrical harness 55. The first mirror angle adjustment connector 560 is electrically connected to the end of the first mirror angle adjustment harness 56. The second mirror angle adjustment connector 570 is electrically connected to the end of the second mirror angle adjustment harness 57.

(Description of the assembly process of the door mirror device 1)
The assembly process of the door mirror device 1 will be described below.

The third fixing portion 743 of the first fixed side bracket 74 is attached and fixed to the first fixing portion 601 of the storage unit 6 with a screw 73. Also, the first fixing portion 751 of the second fixed side bracket 75 is attached and fixed to the second fixing portion 602 of the storage unit 6 with a screw 73.

At this time, the mating protrusion of the third mounting portion 746 of the first fixed side bracket 74 is mated with the mating hole of the boss portion of the first mounting portion 753 of the second fixed side bracket 75. Also, the mating protrusion of the second mounting portion 754 of the second fixed side bracket 75 is mated with the mating hole of the boss portion of the second mounting portion 745 of the first fixed side bracket 74.

As a result, the holding center CH, which is the center of the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the first fixed side bracket 74 and the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the second fixed side bracket 75, is fixed to the storage unit 6. Note that in this example, the holding center CH is not located on the storage axis V0, which is the rotation center line of the storage unit 6.

The mounting portion 53 of the camera 5 is attached and fixed to the first mounting portion 744 of the first fixed side bracket 74 with the screw 73. This causes the camera 5 and the harness assembly 50 integrated with the camera 5 to be attached to the first fixed side bracket 74. The harness assembly 50 is inserted into the harness insertion hole 202 of the shaft 20 of the storage unit 6. The electrical connector 550 of the electrical harness 55 in the harness assembly 50 is electrically connected to the storage unit 6.

The first casing 810 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is attached and fixed to the first fixing portion 741 of the first fixed side bracket 74 with the screw 73. Similarly, the second casing 820 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is attached and fixed to the second fixing portion 742 of the first fixed side bracket 74 with the screw 73.

As a result, the center of the first rod 811 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is located on the first axis V1 on the second plane S2. Also, the center of the second rod 821 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is located on the second axis V2 on the first plane S1.

The first mirror angle adjustment connector 560 of the first mirror angle adjustment harness 56 in the harness assembly 50 and the second mirror angle adjustment connector 570 of the second mirror angle adjustment harness 57 are electrically connected to the terminal of the connector part of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the terminal of the connector part of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, respectively.

The washer 70 is placed from the outside over the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the first fixed side bracket 74 and the convex spherical pivot portion 710 of the second fixed side bracket 75. At this time, the first stopper 901 of the first fixed side bracket 74 is positioned in the first through hole 701 of the washer 70. The second stopper 902 of the second fixed side bracket 75 faces the second through hole 702 of the washer 70. The recess 747 of the first fixed side bracket 74 and the recess 755 of the second fixed side bracket 75 face the long hole 703 of the washer 70.

As a result, as shown in Figures 29 and 31, the fixed part of the mirror assembly 3 is formed, which includes the storage unit 6 having the shaft 20, the first holding member 71 of the holding unit 7 (consisting of the first fixed side bracket 74 and the second fixed side bracket 75), the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, the camera 5, and the harness assembly 50.

The concave spherical pivot part 720 of the first movable bracket 76 is placed over the convex spherical pivot part 710 of the first fixed bracket 74 from the outside with the washer 70 sandwiched between them. At the same time, the convex part 766 of the concave spherical pivot part 720 of the first movable bracket 76 is fitted into the concave part 747 of the convex spherical pivot part 710 of the first fixed bracket 74 through the long hole 703 of the washer 70. At this time, the first stopper 901 of the first fixed bracket 74 is positioned inside the first stopper 901 of the first movable bracket 76 through the first through hole 701 of the washer 70.

Then, the concave spherical pivot part 720 of the second movable side bracket 77 is placed over the convex spherical pivot part 710 of the second fixed side bracket 75 from the outside with the washer 70 sandwiched between them. At the same time, the convex part 770 of the concave spherical pivot part 720 of the second movable side bracket 77 is fitted into the concave part 755 of the convex spherical pivot part 710 of the second fixed side bracket 75 through the long hole 703 of the washer 70. At this time, the second stopper 902 of the second movable side bracket 77 is positioned inside the second stopper 902 of the second fixed side bracket 75 through the second through hole 702 of the washer 70.

The flange of one of the fourth mounting portions 764 of the first movable side bracket 76 is aligned with the flange of one of the mounting portions 771 of the second movable side bracket 77. The convex portion of the other of the fourth mounting portions 764 of the first movable side bracket 76 is fitted into the boss portion of the other of the mounting portions 771 of the second movable side bracket 77. The first movable side bracket 76 and the second movable side bracket 77 are attached together by the screw 73, and are attached to the first fixed side bracket 74 and the second fixed side bracket 75 of the fixed portion of the mirror assembly 3 so as to be rotatable about the holding center CH.

As shown in Figures 33 and 34, one end 8210 of the second rod 821 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is attached to the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable side bracket 76 by the second clip 822 so as to be rotatable around the first axis V1. Similarly, one end 8110 of the first rod 811 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is attached to the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable side bracket 76 by the first clip 812 so as to be rotatable around the second axis V2. The attachment of the first rod 811 to the first clip 812 and the attachment of the second rod 821 to the second clip 822 are performed by elastic engagement, so there is no need for a process of raising the temperature for attachment.

The fifth mounting portion 765 of the first movable bracket 76, which is integrally attached to the fixed portion of the mirror assembly 3, is attached to the mounting portion 300 of the main body portion 32 of the mirror housing 30 with the screw 73.

As shown in FIG. 35, the second clip 822 on the first movable bracket 76 side is inserted between the pair of second ribs 302 of the main body 32 so as to be rotatable in the direction centered on the first axis V1. At this time, the convex strips 8221 on both sides of the second clip 822 elastically abut the mutually facing surfaces of the pair of second ribs 302. Furthermore, the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable bracket 76 is fitted into the second notch portion 304 of the pair of second ribs 302 of the main body 32 so as to be rotatable in the direction centered on the first axis V1. Therefore, even if both sides of the mating recess 8220 of the second clip 822 try to come off from the mating protrusion 8211 of the second rod 821 in a direction parallel or nearly parallel to the second axis V2, they are sandwiched between the pair of second ribs 302 parallel or nearly parallel to the second axis V2, so they are difficult to come off.

Similarly, the first clip 812 on the first movable bracket 76 side is inserted between the pair of first ribs 301 of the main body 32 so as to be rotatable in the direction centered on the second axis V2. At this time, the convex strips 8121 on both sides of the first clip 812 elastically abut the mutually facing surfaces of the pair of first ribs 301. Furthermore, the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable bracket 76 is fitted into the first cutout portion 303 of the pair of first ribs 301 of the main body 32 so as to be rotatable in the direction centered on the second axis V2. Therefore, even if both sides of the mating recess 8120 of the first clip 812 try to come off from the mating protrusion 8111 of the first rod 811 in a direction parallel or nearly parallel to the first axis V1, they are sandwiched between the pair of first ribs 301 parallel or nearly parallel to the first axis V1, so they are difficult to come off.

The edges of the mirror 31 and the ring portion 33 are fitted to the edges of the opening of the main body portion 32 and fixed together. This attaches the mirror housing 30 (i.e., the main body portion 32 and the ring portion 33) and the mirror 31 together into an integrated mirror unit 3U, and the mirror assembly 3 is attached.

Here, the mirror unit 3U is held by the holding unit 7 at three points. The three holding points (fulcrums) are the rotation center point CH, which is the holding center CH (pivot center) that serves as the reference for adjusting the mirror angle, the first connection point JP1 between the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the mirror unit 3U, and the second connection point JP2 between the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 and the mirror unit 3U.

The mating surface 38 of the mirror housing 30 is aligned with the mating surface 44 of the spacer 4, and the engagement portion 39 of the mirror housing 30 is engaged with the engagement portion 45 of the spacer 4. The lower portion 42 of the spacer 4 is fitted into the recess of the spacer support portion 25 of the base 2, and the step surface 43 of the spacer 4 is placed on the upper surface of the spacer support portion 25 of the base 2.

As a result, the mirror assembly 3 is placed on the base 2 via the spacer 4. At this time, the flange portion of the upper portion 41 of the spacer 4 is positioned between the mating surface 38 of the mirror housing 30 and the upper surface of the spacer support portion 25 of the base 2.

The shaft 20 and the shaft fixing portion 24 are inserted into the storage space 35 through the insertion hole 40 of the spacer 4 and through the insertion hole 36 of the mirror housing 30. Note that it is also possible for only the shaft 20 to be inserted without the shaft fixing portion 24 being inserted. In other words, it is sufficient that at least the shaft 20 is inserted into the storage space 35 through the insertion hole 40 of the spacer 4 and through the insertion hole 36 of the mirror housing 30.

The fixing portion 200 of the shaft 20 on the mirror assembly 3 side is attached and fixed to the shaft fixing portion 24 of the mounting portion 22 of the base 2 with a screw 27. The cover portion 23 is attached to the mounting portion 22. This completes the assembly of the door mirror device 1.

(Description of the Function of the Embodiment)
The first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, and the door mirror device 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the door mirror device 1 of this embodiment") are configured as described above, and their functions will be explained below.

(Explanation of the neutral position of the mirror surface)
The mirror surface, which is the reflective surface of the mirror 31, can be adjusted vertically (up and down) as shown in Figures 36 to 39, and horizontally (front and back, left and right) as shown in Figures 40 and 43. The positions of the mirror surface shown in Figures 36, 39(A), 40 and 43(A) are neutral positions. When the mirror unit 3U of the mirror assembly 3 is located at the position shown by the solid line in Figures 4 and 5, the mirror surface is located at the neutral position.

(Explanation of motorized adjustment of the mirror's vertical (up-down) angle)
The first motor 813 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is driven by a remote controller. Then, as shown by the white arrows in Fig. 44 (A) (B) and Fig. 45 (A) (B), the rotational force of the first motor 813 is transmitted to the first rod 811 via the first worm gear 8161, the helical gear 8163, the second worm gear 8162 of the first reduction mechanism 816 of the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814, the first clutch gear 8171 of the first clutch mechanism 817, the clutch part 8176 (the clutch part 8176 is in a connected state because of the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8174), and the second clutch gear 8172 as an output gear. As a result, the first rod 811 advances and retreats around the first axis V1 relative to the first casing 810 attached to the first fixed side bracket 74.

Then, the first movable side bracket 76 to which the first rod 811 is attached rotates together with the first rod 811 about the first axis V1. Furthermore, the mirror unit 3U to which the first movable side bracket 76 is attached rotates together with the first movable side bracket 76 about the first axis V1.

As a result, the mirror unit 3U rotates upward about the first axis V1 as shown by the hollow arrow in Figure 37, so that the mirror surface faces upward as shown in Figures 37 and 39 (B). Also, the mirror unit 3U rotates downward about the first axis V1 as shown by the hollow arrow in Figure 38, so that the mirror surface faces downward as shown in Figures 38 and 39 (C). As a result, the vertical (up-down) angle of the mirror surface is adjusted as shown in Figure 5.

At this time, as shown in Figures 36, 37, and 38, one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 are elastically fitted into the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable bracket 76. The first clip 812 is also sandwiched between a pair of first ribs 301 of the mirror housing 30. Therefore, the one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 and the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable bracket 76 rotate (move) together in the vertical direction (up and down direction) around the first axis V1 while maintaining the same positional relationship. As a result, the first connection point JP1 between the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the mirror unit 3U rotates in the vertical direction (up and down direction) around the first axis V1.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 39(A), (B), and (C), the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable side bracket 76 rotates vertically (up and down) around the first axis V1 with respect to one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second fitting slot 825 of the second clip 822. Similarly, the pair of second ribs 302 of the mirror housing 30 also rotate vertically (up and down) around the first axis V1 on the convex strips 8221 on both sides of both ends of the second clip 822. Therefore, the one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 are always stopped without being affected by the rotation (movement) of the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable side bracket 76. As a result, the second connection point JP2 between the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 and the mirror unit 3U is always stopped without being affected by the rotation of the first connection point JP1.

When the mirror unit 3U rotates vertically (up and down) around the first axis V1, as shown in Figures 39(A), (B), and (C), the second mounting window 7620, which has a rectangular shape with its long side (lengthwise direction) parallel to the second axis V2, rotates vertically (up and down) around the first axis V1, so the second rod 821 and second clip 822 on the fixed side do not interfere with the rotation of the first movable bracket 76.

At this time, the spacer 4 does not rotate with the mirror unit 3U, and is stationary with the base 2. That is, only the mirror unit 3U rotates vertically (up and down) around the first axis V1 relative to the spacer 4 and base 2. Also, the second holding member 72 (mirror unit 3U side) of the holding unit 7 rotates vertically (up and down) around the first axis V1 together with the washer 70 relative to the first holding member 71 (base 2 side) of the holding unit 7.

When the mirror unit 3U rotates to a predetermined angle around the first axis V1, the adjustment angle of the mirror surface reaches the maximum angle, and the first stopper 901 and the second stopper 902 of the first rotation range regulating part 91 are activated, as shown in Figures 37 and 38. This restricts the rotation of the mirror unit 3U. In this example, the predetermined angle is approximately 10° in both the up and down directions from the neutral position. Note that this predetermined angle is not particularly limited.

(Description of Operation of First Clutch Mechanism 817)
When the adjustment angle of the mirror surface reaches the maximum angle, as shown in Figures 44(C) and 45(C), the first rod 811 stops moving forward and backward, and the second clutch gear 8172 meshing with the first rod 811 also stops rotating. Here, if the first motor 813 continues to be driven, the rotational force of the first motor 813 continues to be transmitted to the first clutch gear 8171 via the first reduction mechanism 816.

Then, a force is generated in the direction of the clutch shaft 8170 in the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8176. This force causes the second clutch gear 8172 to move in the direction of the clutch shaft 8170 against the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8174, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 44(C) and 45(C). At this time, the clutch spring 8174, which is in a compressed state, is further compressed. As a result, the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8176 disengage from each other and enter a disengaged state. As a result, slippage begins in the clutch portion 8176, and locking of the first motor 813 is avoided.

(Explanation of the buffering action in the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the mirror surface due to external forces)
An external force acts on the mirror unit 3U, and the mirror unit 3U is pushed in the vertical direction (up and down direction) around the first axis V1 by the external force. Then, the second holding member 72 fixed to the mirror unit 3U is pushed in the same direction together with the mirror unit 3U. In addition, the first rod 811 elastically fitted to the first movable side bracket 76 of the second holding member 72 is also pushed in the same direction.

The first rod 811 then advances and retreats about the first axis V1 relative to the first casing 810 attached to the first fixed bracket 74, as shown by the hollow arrows in Figures 46(A) and 47(A). The second clutch gear 8172 meshing with the first rod 811 similarly rotates as shown by the hollow arrows in Figures 46(A) and 47(A).

On the other hand, the first clutch gear 8171, which is in the engaged state, is engaged with the second worm gear 8162 via multiple interlocking notches of the clutch section 8176, so it is not rotating, as shown in Figures 46(A) and 47(A).

Then, a force is generated in the direction of the clutch shaft 8170 in the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8176. This force causes the second clutch gear 8172 to move in the direction of the clutch shaft 8170 against the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8174, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 46(B) and 47(B). In addition, the clutch spring 8174, which is in a compressed state, is further compressed. As a result, the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8176 disengage from each other and enter a disconnected state. As a result, slippage begins in the clutch portion 8176, preventing damage to the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 (particularly the internal gears).

At this time, as in the case of the electric drive described above, one end 8110 of the first rod 811, the first clip 812, and the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable bracket 76 rotate (move) together in the vertical direction (up and down direction) about the first axis V1 while maintaining the same position. Meanwhile, one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 are stopped relative to the rotation (movement) of the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable bracket 76, and therefore are not affected by the rotation of the second mounting portion 762 and are in a stopped state.

The operation of the spacer 4 and the first rotation range regulating part 91 is the same as the electrically operated operation described above.

(Manual adjustment of the mirror's vertical (up and down) angle)
The mirror unit 3U is rotated in the vertical direction (up and down direction, the direction of the white arrow in Figs. 37 and 38) about the first axis V1 by a manual force larger than the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8174. Then, similar to the buffering operation in the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the mirror surface due to the above-mentioned external force, the manual force is transmitted to the second clutch gear 8172 via the first rod 811, as shown by the white arrow in Figs. 46(A) and 47(A).

As a result, the clutch portion 8176 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, which is in the engaged state (the state shown in Figures 46(A) and 47(A)), becomes disengaged, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 46(B) and 47(B). Therefore, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 46(C) and 47(C), the first rod 811 advances and retreats with the rotation of the mirror unit 3U, and the second clutch gear 8172 rotates. As a result, the mirror unit 3U rotates vertically (up and down) around the first axis V1, and the vertical (up and down) angle of the mirror surface is adjusted.

At this time, the operation of one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 with the first mounting portion 761, the operation of one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 with the second mounting portion 762, the operation of the spacer 4, and the operation of the first rotation range regulating portion 91 are the same as the above-mentioned electrically actuated operation and the above-mentioned buffer actuation.

(Explanation of motorized adjustment of the mirror's horizontal (front-back, left-right) angle)
The second motor 823 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is driven by a remote controller. Then, as shown by the white arrows in Fig. 44 (A) (B) and Fig. 45 (A) (B), the rotational force of the second motor 823 is transmitted to the second rod 821 via the first worm gear 8261, the helical gear 8263, the second worm gear 8262 of the second reduction mechanism 826 of the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824, the first clutch gear 8271 of the second clutch mechanism 827, the clutch part 8276 (the clutch part 8276 is in an engaged state due to the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8274), and the second clutch gear 8272 as an output gear. As a result, the second rod 821 advances and retreats around the second axis V2 relative to the second casing 820 attached to the first fixed side bracket 74.

Then, the first movable side bracket 76 to which the second rod 821 is attached rotates together with the second rod 821 about the second axis V2. Furthermore, the mirror unit 3U to which the first movable side bracket 76 is attached rotates together with the first movable side bracket 76 about the second axis V2.

As a result, the mirror unit 3U rotates outward (forward, rightward) around the second axis V2 as shown by the hollow arrow in Figure 41, so that the mirror surface faces outward (front, rightward) as shown in Figures 41 and 43(B). Also, the mirror unit 3U rotates downward around the second axis V2 as shown by the hollow arrow in Figure 42, so that the mirror surface faces inward (rear, leftward) as shown in Figures 42 and 43(C). As a result, the horizontal angle of the mirror surface (front-to-back, left-to-right) is adjusted as shown in Figure 4.

At this time, as shown in Figures 40, 41, and 42, one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 are elastically fitted into the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable side bracket 76. The second clip 822 is also sandwiched between a pair of second ribs 302 of the mirror housing 30. Therefore, the one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 and the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable side bracket 76 rotate (move) together in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction) around the second axis V2 while maintaining the same positional relationship. As a result, the second connection point JP2 between the second mirror surface angle adjustment unit 82 and the mirror unit 3U rotates in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction) around the second axis V2.

On the other hand, although not shown, the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable bracket 76 rotates horizontally (front-back, left-right) around the second axis V2 with respect to one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first fitting slot 815 of the first clip 812. Similarly, the pair of first ribs 301 of the mirror housing 30 also rotate horizontally (front-back, left-right) around the second axis V2 on the convex strips 8121 on both sides of both ends of the first clip 812. Therefore, the one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 are always stationary without being affected by the rotation (movement) of the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable bracket 76. As a result, the first connection point JP1 between the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the mirror unit 3U is always stationary without being affected by the rotation of the second connection point JP2.

When the mirror unit 3U rotates horizontally (front-back, left-right) around the second axis V2, the first mounting window 7610, which is rectangular in shape and whose long side (lengthwise) is parallel to the first axis V1 (not shown), rotates horizontally (front-back, left-right) around the second axis V2, so that the first rod 811 and first clip 812 on the fixed side do not interfere with the rotation of the first movable bracket 76.

At this time, due to the engagement between the engagement portion 39 of the mirror housing 30 of the mirror unit 3U and the engagement portion 45 of the spacer 4, the spacer 4 rotates together with the mirror unit 3U in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction) around the second axis V2 relative to the base 2. Also, the second holding member 72 (mirror unit 3U side) of the holding unit 7 rotates together with the washer 70 in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction) around the second axis V2 relative to the first holding member 71 (base 2 side) of the holding unit 7.

When the mirror unit 3U rotates to a predetermined angle around the second axis V2, the adjustment angle of the mirror surface reaches the maximum angle, and as shown in Figures 41 and 42, the first stopper 901, second stopper 902, third stopper 903, fourth stopper 904, fifth stopper 905, and sixth stopper 906 of the second rotation range regulating part 92 are activated. This regulates the rotation of the mirror unit 3U. In this example, the predetermined angle is approximately 10° in both the front-back direction (left-right direction) from the neutral position. Note that this predetermined angle is not particularly limited.

(Description of Operation of Second Clutch Mechanism 827)
When the adjustment angle of the mirror surface reaches the maximum angle, as shown in Figures 44(C) and 45(C), the second rod 821 stops moving back and forth, and the second clutch gear 8272 meshing with the second rod 821 also stops rotating. Here, if the second motor 823 continues to be driven, the rotational force of the second motor 823 continues to be transmitted to the first clutch gear 8271 via the second reduction mechanism 826.

Then, a force is generated in the direction of the clutch shaft 8270 in the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8276. This force causes the second clutch gear 8272 to move in the direction of the clutch shaft 8270 against the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8274, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 44(C) and 45(C). At this time, the clutch spring 8274, which is in a compressed state, is further compressed. As a result, the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8276 disengage from each other and enter a disengaged state. As a result, slippage begins in the clutch portion 8276, and locking of the second motor 823 is avoided.

(Explanation of the horizontal (front-back, left-right) buffering action of the mirror surface due to external forces)
An external force acts on the mirror unit 3U, and the mirror unit 3U is pushed in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction) around the second axis V2 by the external force. Then, the second holding member 72 fixed to the mirror unit 3U is pushed in the same direction together with the mirror unit 3U. In addition, the second rod 821 elastically fitted to the first movable side bracket 76 of the second holding member 72 is also pushed in the same direction.

The second rod 821 then advances and retreats about the second axis V2 relative to the second casing 820 attached to the first fixed bracket 74, as shown by the hollow arrows in Figures 46(A) and 47(A). The second clutch gear 8272 meshing with the second rod 821 similarly rotates as shown by the hollow arrows in Figures 46(A) and 47(A).

On the other hand, the first clutch gear 8271, which is in the engaged state, is engaged with the second worm gear 8262 via multiple interlocking notches of the clutch portion 8276, so it is not rotating, as shown in Figures 46(A) and 47(A).

Then, a force is generated in the direction of the clutch shaft 8270 in the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8276. This force causes the second clutch gear 8272 to move in the direction of the clutch shaft 8270 against the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8274, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 46(B) and 47(B). In addition, the clutch spring 8274, which is in a compressed state, is further compressed. As a result, the multiple intermeshed notches of the clutch portion 8276 disengage from each other and enter a disconnected state. As a result, slippage begins in the clutch portion 8276, preventing damage to the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 (particularly the internal gears).

At this time, as in the case of the electric drive described above, one end 8210 of the second rod 821, the second clip 822, and the second mounting portion 762 of the first movable bracket 76 rotate (move) together in the horizontal direction (front-back and left-right) about the second axis V2 while maintaining the same position. Meanwhile, one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 are stopped relative to the rotation (movement) of the first mounting portion 761 of the first movable bracket 76, and therefore are not affected by the rotation of the second mounting portion 762 and are in a stopped state.

The operation of the spacer 4 and the second rotation range regulating part 92 is the same as the electrically operated operation described above.

(Manual adjustment of the mirror's horizontal (front-back, left-right) angle)
The mirror unit 3U is rotated in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction) around the second axis V2 by a manual force larger than the elastic return force (spring force) of the clutch spring 8274. Then, similar to the buffering operation of the mirror surface in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction) due to the above-mentioned external force, the manual force is transmitted to the second clutch gear 8272 via the second rod 821, as shown by the white arrow in Fig. 46(A) and Fig. 47(A).

As a result, the clutch portion 8276 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, which is in the engaged state (the state shown in Figures 46(A) and 47(A)), becomes disengaged, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 46(B) and 47(B). Therefore, as shown by the open arrows in Figures 46(C) and 47(C), the second rod 821 advances and retreats with the rotation of the mirror unit 3U, and the second clutch gear 8272 rotates. As a result, the mirror unit 3U rotates in the horizontal direction (front-to-back and left-to-right directions) about the second axis V2, and the horizontal angle of the mirror surface (front-to-back and left-to-right directions) is adjusted.

At this time, the operation of one end 8210 of the second rod 821 and the second clip 822 with the second mounting portion 762, the operation of one end 8110 of the first rod 811 and the first clip 812 with the first mounting portion 761, the operation of the spacer 4, and the operation of the second rotation range regulating portion 92 are the same as the above-mentioned electrically actuated operation and the above-mentioned buffer actuation.

As described above, the door mirror device 1 in this embodiment has a remote control mirror adjustment function that adjusts the angle of the mirror surface using a remote control.

(Explanation of the use position P1, rear storage position P2, and front storage position P3 of the mirror assembly 3)
3 indicates the mirror assembly 3 located at the use position P1, and the two-dot chain line indicates the mirror assembly 3 located at the rear storage position P2 or the front storage position P3.

(Explanation of storage and restoration of mirror assembly 3)
3, the storage unit 6 is driven to electrically rotate the mirror assembly 3 located at the use position P1 around the storage axis V0 in a clockwise direction as viewed from above with respect to the base 2. Then, the mirror assembly 3 rotates and is stored at the rear storage position P2.

The storage unit 6 is also driven to electrically rotate the mirror assembly 3, which is located at the rear storage position P2, around the storage axis V0 relative to the base 2 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from above. Then, the mirror assembly 3 rotates and returns to its position at the use position P1.

When the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the rear storage position P2, the stopper 204, 603 of the stopping mechanism is activated. This stops the rotation of the mirror assembly 3, and the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the rear storage position P2.

In this way, the door mirror device 1 in this embodiment has an electric storage function that electrically stores and returns the mirror assembly 3.

Furthermore, the mirror assembly 3 located at the use position P1 is manually rotated counterclockwise around the storage axis V0 relative to the base 2 as viewed from above. This disengages the clutch mechanism of the rotational force transmission mechanism of the storage unit 6, and the mirror assembly 3 rotates and is stored at the forward storage position P3.

Furthermore, the mirror assembly 3, which is located at the forward storage position P3, is manually rotated clockwise around the storage axis V0 relative to the base 2 as viewed from above. Then, the mirror assembly 3 rotates and returns to the use position P1. At this time, the clutch mechanism, which was in the disengaged state, becomes engaged.

When the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the front storage position P3, the stopper of the stopping mechanism is activated. This stops the rotation of the mirror assembly 3, and the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the front storage position P3.

Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the mirror assembly 3 located at the use position P1, the mirror assembly 3 rotates from the use position P1 to the rear storage position P2 or the front storage position P3 around the storage axis V0 due to the cushioning effect.

When the mirror assembly 3 rotates around the storage axis V0, the engagement between the engagement portion 39 of the mirror housing 30 of the mirror unit 3U and the engagement portion 45 of the spacer 4 causes the spacer 4 to rotate together with the mirror assembly 3 around the storage axis V0 relative to the base 2.

At this time, the storage axis V0 and the second axis V2 are misaligned. As a result, the gap (rotation gap) between the inner peripheral wall surface of the circular recessed opening of the spacer support part 25 of the base 2 and the outer peripheral wall surface of the cylindrical lower part 42 of the spacer 4 that fits into the circular recessed opening of the spacer support part 25 is not constant.

Here, the flange portion of the upper portion 41 of the spacer 4 has a size that covers the recessed opening of the spacer support portion 25 even when the spacer 4 and the mirror unit 3U are both rotated in two directions, around the storage axis V0 and around the second axis V2. Therefore, the circular recessed opening of the spacer support portion 25 of the base 2 is covered and hidden by the flange portion of the upper portion 41 of the spacer 4, and cannot be seen from the outside.

(Explanation of Effects of the Embodiment)
The mirror surface angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment have the above-mentioned configuration and function, and the effects thereof will be described below.

The door mirror device 1 in this embodiment includes a mirror unit 3U, a holding unit 7, and mirror angle adjustment units 81 and 82 in this embodiment.

The mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 in this embodiment adjust the angle of the mirror surface of the mirror unit 3U in two directions via the holding unit 7. The mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 in this embodiment include a first casing 810 and a second casing 820 (hereinafter referred to as "casings 810, 820") attached to the first holding member 71 of the holding unit 7, and a first rod 811 and a second rod 821 (hereinafter referred to as "rods 811, 821") attached to the casings 810, 820 so as to be movable forward and backward in the mirror angle adjustment direction and attached to the second holding member 72 of the holding unit 7.

In the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the rods 811, 821 are composed of rack-shaped gears and move forward and backward in the mirror angle adjustment direction, so the forward and backward direction of the rods 811, 821 coincides with the mirror angle adjustment direction. As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can make the amount of advance and retreat (advance and retreat length) of the rods 811, 821 in the mirror angle adjustment direction larger (longer) than the amount of advance and retreat (advance and retreat length) in the linear direction of the operating axis, which differs from the curved direction of the tilt of the mirror unit in the electric remote control mirror device of Patent Document 1.

For this reason, in the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the casings 810, 820 are attached to the first holding member 71, and the rods 811, 821 are attached to the second holding member 72. This makes it possible to increase (lengthen) the distance between the holding center (rotation center point) CH of the holding unit 7 and the first connection point JP1 and the second connection point JP2 (hereinafter referred to as "connection points JP1, JP2"), which are the attachment points between the rods 811, 821 and the second holding member 72.

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment have a force moment proportional to distance, so the mirror unit 3U can be held with a large holding force at three points, the holding center (rotation center point) CH and the connection points JP1 and JP2, while the holding unit 7 and the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 remain small and lightweight.

In other words, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can increase (lengthen) the distance between the holding center (rotation center point) CH and the connection points JP1, JP2, so that even if the holding force (support force) of the holding unit 7 and the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 themselves is small, a large holding force (support force) can be obtained at the three points of the holding center (rotation center point) CH and the connection points JP1, JP2.

From the above, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the vibration of the mirror unit 3U caused by vibrations while the vehicle is traveling, ensure rear visibility, and contribute to road safety.

Here, when the rods 811, 821 mesh with the second clutch gears 8172, 8272 of the output gears of the first rotational force transmission mechanism 814 and the second rotational force transmission mechanism 824 (hereinafter referred to as "rotational force transmission mechanisms 814, 824"), the backlash between the gears is a necessary clearance (play) for the gears to rotate smoothly and stably. In other words, if the backlash is extremely small, the load between the gears becomes large, and the gears cannot rotate smoothly and stably. On the other hand, if the backlash is extremely large, the mirror unit 3U will vibrate due to vibrations while the vehicle is traveling.

The mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 in this embodiment use elastically deformable rack-shaped gears as the rods 811, 821, and the rods 811, 821 are engaged with the second clutch gears 8172, 8272 by the elastic pressing force of the rods 811, 821 themselves.

As a result, in the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 of this embodiment, when the load between the gears becomes large, the rods 811, 821 elastically deform, allowing the load to be released.

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can minimize the backlash between the rods 811, 821 and the second clutch gears 8172, 8272, minimizing the vibration of the mirror unit 3U caused by vibrations while the vehicle is traveling, ensuring rearward visibility and contributing to road safety.

In the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the casings 810, 820 have abutting portions 8103, 8203 on the side of the rods 811, 821 opposite the side that meshes with the second clutch gears 8172, 8272.

As a result, in the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, when the rods 811, 821 elastically deform from the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 13 to the state shown by the dashed line, the rods 811, 821 are largely elastically deformed, causing the engagement between the rods 811, 821 and the second clutch gears 8172, 8272 to be disengaged, preventing the occurrence of gear jumping, and thus enabling the mirror angle of the mirror unit 3U to be reliably adjusted.

In this embodiment, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the door mirror device 1 have second clutch gears 8172, 8272 that are made up of spur gears, and the rods 811, 821 are made up of parts of the spur gears.

As a result, as shown in Figures 36 to 38 and 40 to 42, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment have the same meshing with the second clutch gears 8172, 8272 regardless of the position (angle) at which the rods 811, 821 are positioned in the forward/backward direction, so the meshing load between the rods 811, 821 and the second clutch gears 8172, 8272 is constant and stable. This allows the mirror angle adjustment of the mirror unit 3U to be performed with stable operation.

In addition, in the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the rotational force acts perpendicular to the meshing surface between the rods 811, 821 and the second clutch gears 8172, 8272, i.e., perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the rods 811, 821 and the central axis of rotation of the second clutch gears 8172, 8272, so no thrust load is applied to the rotational force transmission mechanisms 814, 824. This allows the clutch parts 8176, 8276 to slip.

In this embodiment, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the door mirror device 1 have the centers of the pitch circles of the rods 811, 821, which are formed from part of the spur gear, located on a first plane S1 and a second plane S2 (hereinafter referred to as "planes S1, S2") that include the holding center CH at the center of the holding unit 7, which serves as the basis for mirror angle adjustment.

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 of this embodiment can smoothly rotate the mirror unit 3U around the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 (hereinafter referred to as "axes V1, V2") located on the planes S1, S2, allowing smooth adjustment of the mirror angle.

In this embodiment, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the door mirror device 1 have rotational force transmission mechanisms 814, 824 that include a notch-type first clutch mechanism 817 and a second clutch mechanism 827 (hereinafter referred to as "clutch mechanisms 817, 827").

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 of this embodiment can prevent the first motor 813 and the second motor 823 (hereinafter referred to as "motors 813, 823") from locking when the mirror adjustment angle reaches the maximum angle by the clutch mechanisms 817, 827, and can also prevent damage to the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 when an external force is applied to the mirror unit 3U.

As described above, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the holding force (support force) at the connection points JP1, JP2 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82, and therefore the clutch torque of the clutch mechanisms 817, 827 can be reduced.

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the rotational output of the motors 813, 823 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82, and can also reduce the strength of the gears of the rotational force transmission mechanisms 814, 824 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82.

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 of this embodiment can provide small, inexpensive mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82.

In the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, even though the mirror unit 3U is composed of a frameless door mirror, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the storage unit 6 are separated (constructed separately), so the operating speed of the electric mirror angle adjustment and the operating speed of the electric storage can be controlled separately, eliminating the need for an adjustment circuit for the operating speed, and thus reducing the number of components.

The door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment is configured by dividing (constituting separately) the mirror surface angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the storage unit 6, so it can also be used in door mirror devices in which the storage axis V0 is inclined relative to the axes V1, V2, and this increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the storage axis V0 and the axes V1, V2.

In the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 are arranged such that the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is disposed above the storage unit 6, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is disposed outside the vehicle relative to the storage unit 6. As a result, the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the projected area of the front surface (front face) of the mirror unit 3U of the mirror assembly 3.

In the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the intersection of the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 is the holding center CH, which serves as the reference for adjusting the mirror angle, and is close to the storage axis V0.

As a result, the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the projected area of the front (front face) of the mirror unit 3U of the mirror assembly 3 compared to the mirror housing of a general vehicle outside mirror device (for example, the electric remote control mirror device of Patent Document 1).

The door mirror device 1 in this embodiment can reduce the projected area of the front surface (front face) of the mirror unit 3U of the mirror assembly 3, thereby reducing air resistance and improving fuel efficiency.

In addition, even though the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment has a remote control mirror adjustment mechanism and an electric storage mechanism, the projected area of the front (front face) of the mirror unit 3U of the mirror assembly 3 can be reduced. As a result, the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can be installed in small sports cars where large door mirror devices do not suit, and even if it is installed, the design of the small sports car is not impaired.

In addition, the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment uses the storage unit 6, so there is no need to add a memory circuit or the like to return the mirror assembly 3 to the use position P1. Moreover, the mirror assembly 3 is automatically returned to the use position P1 and is fixed with high rigidity, so there is little shaking of the mirror surface while driving.

Furthermore, in the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the holding center CH, which is the operating center of the mirror surface, is located inside the mirror unit 3U of the mirror assembly 3, so that the holding center CH and the mirror surface can be brought closer together, the amount of shaking of the mirror surface can be reduced, and visibility can be improved.

In the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 of this embodiment, the rods 811, 821 and clips 812, 822 move together with the second holding member 72 while maintaining the same positional relationship as the second holding member 72 when the mirror angle is adjusted in one direction, and are stationary and not affected by the movement of the second holding member 72 when the mirror angle is adjusted in the other direction.

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment have a stable load when the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 are operating, and therefore the operating speed and operating noise of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 are stable.

In the mirror surface angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the rods 811, 821 and the clips 812, 822 have a curved first fitting slot 815 and a second fitting slot 825 (hereinafter referred to as "fitting slots 815, 825"). The centers of the curved fitting slots 815, 825 are located on the axis of the rotation center in the other direction of the two axes (second axis V2, first axis V1). The fitting slots 815, 825 are the first mounting portion 761 and the second mounting portion 762 (hereinafter referred to as "mounting portions 761, 762") provided on the second holding member 72, and are fitted into the mounting portions 761, 762 located on the axis of the rotation center in one direction of the two axes (first axis V1, second axis V2).

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment have a more stable load during operation of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82, and therefore the operating speed and operating noise of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 are more stable.

In the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the rods 811, 821 and clips 812, 822 are made of elastic materials, and the rods 811, 821 and clips 812, 822 are attached to the second retaining member 72 in an elastically fitted state.

As a result, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can minimize the clearance (play) at the attachment points (first connection point JP1, second connection point JP2) between the rods 811, 821 and clips 812, 822 and the second retaining member 72, so that the vibration of the mirror unit 3U caused by vibrations while the vehicle is traveling can be minimized, rearward visibility can be ensured, and traffic safety can be improved.

Moreover, in the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the rods 811, 821 and the clips 812, 822 are attached by elastic engagement, eliminating the need for a process of raising the temperature for attachment.

In the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, when the mirror angle is adjusted in one direction, the rods 811, 821 move together with the second holding member 72 while maintaining the same positional relationship as the second holding member 72, and when the mirror angle is adjusted in the other direction, they are stationary and not affected by the movement of the second holding member 72, so that they do not tilt or come off in the mirror angle adjustment direction when moving forward or backward.

As a result, in the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the rotation of the second clutch gears 8172, 8272 that mesh with the rods 811, 821 is stable, and the clutch torque of the clutch mechanisms 817, 827 is stable.

In the mirror surface angle adjustment units 81, 82 and the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the mirror housing 30 is provided with a first rib 301 and a second rib 302, the first rib 301 being composed of a pair of ribs and being arranged parallel to the first axis V1, and the second rib 302 being composed of a pair of ribs and being arranged parallel to the second axis V2. The second holding member 72 is provided with a cylindrical first mounting portion 761 and a cylindrical second mounting portion 762, and the center line of the cylindrical first mounting portion 761 is parallel to the second axis V2, and the center line of the cylindrical second mounting portion 762 is parallel to the first axis V1.

As a result, in the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 and door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the rod 811 and clip 812 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 are attached to the first mounting portion 761 by elastically fitting in a direction parallel to the second axis V2 and are sandwiched between a pair of first ribs 301, so that the elastic fitting between the rod 811 and the clip 812 is difficult to come loose. Similarly, the rod 821 and clip 822 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 are attached to the second mounting portion 762 by elastically fitting in a direction parallel to the first axis V1 and are sandwiched between a pair of second ribs 302, so that the elastic fitting between the rod 821 and the clip 822 is difficult to come loose.

(Description of Modified Examples of Clutch Mechanisms 817, 827 of Mirror Angle Adjustment Units 81, 82)
Figure 48 is an exploded perspective view of components showing a modified example of the clutch mechanisms 817, 827 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82. In Figure 48, the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 47 indicate the same parts.

The clutch mechanisms 817, 827 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 described above use notch-type clutch parts 8176, 8276. In contrast, the clutch mechanisms 817, 827 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 of this modified example use friction-type clutch parts 8177, 8277.

The clutch mechanisms 817, 827 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 of this modified example, which use friction-type clutch members 8177, 8277, can achieve substantially the same effects as the clutch mechanisms 817, 827 of the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 described above, which use notch-type clutch members 8176, 8276.

(Description of Modified Examples of Door Mirror Devices 1L and 1R)
FIG. 49 is a plan view (corresponding to FIG. 40) showing a modification of the door mirror devices 1L and 1R with a part of the mirror unit broken away.

The door mirror devices 1L and 1R described above rotate the mirror unit 3U around the second axis V2 to adjust the horizontal angle of the mirror surface. In contrast, the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example rotate the mirror unit 3U around the storage axis V0 to adjust the horizontal angle of the mirror surface.

In other words, the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example use the storage axis V0 for both a storage function that returns the mirror assembly 3 to its original position and a mirror adjustment function that adjusts the horizontal angle of the mirror surface.

The door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example do not require the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, which simplifies the structure and manufacturing process, reduces manufacturing costs, and reduces weight.

In the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modification, in the holding unit 7, it is not necessary to rotate the second holding member 72 with the storage axis V0 in the middle relative to the first holding member 71. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 49, in the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modification, a filler 900 (the hatched portion in FIG. 49) is filled between the first stopper 901 of the first holding member 71 of the first rotation range regulating part 91 and the first stopper 901 of the second holding member 72, between the fourth stopper 904 of the first holding member 71 of the second rotation range regulating part 92 and the fourth stopper 904 of the second holding member 72, and between the sixth stopper 906 of the first holding member 71 of the second rotation range regulating part 92 and the sixth stopper 906 of the second holding member 72.

As a result, the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example can reliably return the mirror assembly 3 to its folded position, reliably adjust the horizontal angle of the mirror surface, and prevent the mirror surface from wobbling in the horizontal direction.

The door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example do not require the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, so the second fixed portion 742 of the first fixed bracket 74 (the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line in Figures 19 and 20) and the fifth mounting portion 765 of the first movable bracket 76 (the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line in Figures 24, 25, and 26) can be omitted. This allows the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example to be lighter in weight.

The door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example can perform storage and horizontal mirror adjustment functions by electrically powering the storage unit 6.

In the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example, at least one of the following is added to the storage unit 6: a backlash-less structure (see JP 2003-343704 A), a rotation stop position detection memory circuit, or a rotation speed variable circuit. As a result, the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example can stop the mirror assembly 3 and mirror surface in a predetermined position without rattling, and can quickly return the mirror assembly 3 to its original position and gently adjust the mirror surface.

The door mirror devices 1L and 1R of this modified example are configured as described above, and therefore can achieve the same effects and advantages as the door mirror devices 1L and 1R of the above-described embodiment.

(Description of Examples Other Than the Embodiments and Modifications)
The mirror surface angle adjustment unit in the vehicle outside mirror device and the vehicle outside mirror device of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples.

In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the first rod 811, the second rod 821, the first clip 812, and the second clip 822 are each made of an elastic material. However, in this invention, at least the first rod 811 and the second rod 821 may be made of an elastic material.

1L, 1R Door mirror device (vehicle outside mirror device)
2 Base 21 Fixing portion 22 Mounting portion 23 Cover portion 24 Shaft fixing portion 25 Spacer support portion 26 Harness insertion hole 27 Screw 28 Screw insertion hole 20 Shaft 200 Fixing portion 201 Shaft portion 202 Harness insertion hole 203 Boss portion 204 Stopper 3 Mirror assembly 3U Mirror unit (structure)
30 Mirror housing 300 Mounting portion 301 First rib 302 Second rib 303 First cutout portion 304 Second cutout portion 31 Mirror 32 Main body portion 33 Ring portion 35 Storage space 36 Insertion hole 37 Window 38 Mating surface 39 Engagement portion 4 Spacer 40 Insertion hole 41 Upper portion (flange portion)
42 Lower part 43 Step surface 44 Mating surface 45 Engagement part 5 Camera 50 Harness assembly 51 Main body part 52 Lens part 53 Mounting part 54 Camera harness 55 Electrical harness 550 Electrical connector 56 Harness for first mirror angle adjustment unit 560 Connector for first mirror angle adjustment unit 57 Harness for second mirror angle adjustment unit 570 Connector for second mirror angle adjustment unit 6 Storage unit 60 Casing 601 First fixing part 602 Second fixing part 603 Stopper 7 Holding unit 70 Washer 701 First through hole 702 Second through hole 703 Long hole 71 First holding member 710 Pivot part with convex spherical surface 72 Second holding member 720 Pivot part with concave spherical surface 73 Screw 74 First fixed bracket (first electrical bracket)
741 First fixing portion 742 Second fixing portion 743 Third fixing portion 744 First mounting portion 745 Second mounting portion 746 Third mounting portion 747 Recess 75 Second fixed side bracket (second electrical bracket)
751 First fixing portion 752 Second fixing portion 753 First mounting portion 754 Second mounting portion 755 Recess 76 First movable side bracket (first housing bracket)
761 First mounting portion 7610 First window portion 762 Second mounting portion 7620 Second window portion 763 Third mounting portion 764 Fourth mounting portion 765 Fifth mounting portion 766 Convex portion 77 Second movable side bracket (second housing bracket)
770 Convex portion 771 Mounting portion 81 First mirror surface angle adjustment unit 810 First casing 8100 Screw 8101 Rod storage portion 8102 Storage portion 8103 Contact portion 8104 Opposing surface 811 First rod 8110 One end 8111 Fitting convex portion 812 First clip 8120 Fitting concave portion 8121 Convex strip 813 First motor 814 First rotational force transmission mechanism 815 First fitting elongated hole 816 First reduction mechanism 8161 First worm gear 8162 Second worm gear 8163 Helical gear 817 First clutch mechanism 8170 Clutch shaft 8171 First clutch gear 8172 Second clutch gear (output gear)
8173 Washer 8174 Clutch spring (load application part)
8175 Push nut 8176 Clutch part (notch type clutch part)
8177 Clutch part (friction type clutch part)
82 Second mirror surface angle adjustment unit 820 Second casing 8200 Screw 8201 Rod storage portion 8202 Storage portion 8203 Contact portion 8204 Opposing surface 821 Second rod 8210 One end 8211 Fitting protrusion 822 Second clip 8220 Fitting recess 8221 Convex strip 823 Second motor 824 Second rotational force transmission mechanism 825 Second fitting elongated hole 826 Second reduction mechanism 8261 First worm gear 8262 Second worm gear 8263 Helical gear 827 Second clutch mechanism 8270 Clutch shaft 8271 First clutch gear 8272 Second clutch gear (output gear)
8273 Washer 8274 Clutch spring (load application part)
8275 Push nut 8276 Clutch part (notch type clutch part)
8277 Clutch part (friction type clutch part)
91 First rotation range regulating portion 92 Second rotation range regulating portion 900 Filling 901 First stopper 902 Second stopper 903 Third stopper 904 Fourth stopper 905 Fifth stopper 906 Sixth stopper CG Center of gravity CH Holding center (center of rotation)
JP1 1st connection point JP2 2nd connection point P1 Usage position P2 Rear storage position P3 Front storage position S1 1st plane S2 2nd plane V0 Storage axis V1 1st axis V2 2nd axis

Claims (9)

A mirror unit;
a holding unit having a holding member, the mirror unit being attached via the holding member so as to be rotatable in at least one direction about at least one axis;
a mirror surface angle adjustment unit that rotates the mirror unit in the one direction via the holding unit to adjust an angle of the mirror surface of the mirror unit;
In a vehicle outside mirror device comprising:
The mirror angle adjustment unit includes:
a casing attached to the holding unit;
a motor and a torque transmission mechanism housed in the casing;
a rod attached to the casing and the rotational force transmission mechanism so as to be movable forward and backward in the one direction, a portion of which protrudes from the casing and is attached to the holding member;
Equipped with
the rotational force transmission mechanism has an output gear that outputs a rotational force,
The rod is composed of an elastically deformable rack-shaped gear, meshes with the output gear by an elastic pressing force, and moves forward and backward in the one direction by the rotation of the output gear.
A mirror surface angle adjustment unit for a vehicle outside mirror device. The casing has an abutment portion that abuts against a side of the rod opposite to a side meshed with the output gear.
2. The mirror surface angle adjustment unit for a vehicle outside mirror device according to claim 1. The output gear is composed of a spur gear,
The rod is formed from a part of a spur gear.
3. A mirror surface angle adjustment unit for a vehicle outside mirror device according to claim 1 or 2. The center of the pitch circle of the rod is located on or near the one axis.
4. The mirror surface angle adjustment unit for a vehicle outside mirror device according to claim 3. the rotational force transmission mechanism includes a clutch mechanism,
The clutch mechanism includes:
a notch type or friction type clutch member;
a load application portion that applies a load to the clutch portion;
having
The clutch portion is
In a normal state, the load applied from the load application unit causes the motor to be in a connected state, and the rotational force of the motor is transmitted to the rod.
When the adjustment angle of the mirror surface reaches a maximum angle, and when an external force acts on the mirror unit and then on the rod, the rod is brought into a disconnected state against the load applied from the load application portion.
5. A mirror surface angle adjustment unit for a vehicle outside mirror device according to claim 1. A base fixed to the vehicle body;
A shaft fixed to the base;
a mirror assembly rotatably mounted to the base via the shaft;
An outside mirror device for a vehicle comprising:
The mirror assembly includes a mirror unit, a holding unit, and a mirror surface angle adjustment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The mirror unit is an integral structure of a mirror housing and a mirror, and has a storage space formed therein.
The holding unit includes:
The storage space is accommodated therein,
A first holding member that is rotatably arranged around a storage axis that is a center line of the shaft;
a second holding member to which the mirror unit is attached and which is attached to the first holding member so as to be rotatable in at least one direction about at least one axis;
having
The mirror angle adjustment unit includes:
attached to the first holding member and the second holding member,
The mirror unit is rotated in the one direction around the one axis to adjust an angle of a mirror surface which is a reflective surface of the mirror.
An outside mirror device for a vehicle. the mirror assembly comprises a storage unit;
The storage unit includes:
The shaft on the fixed side;
a rotating casing that is accommodated in the accommodation space, that is rotatably attached to the shaft around the storage axis, and that has the first holding member attached thereto;
having
the mirror unit is rotated between a storage position and a use position about the storage axis with respect to the shaft and the base on the fixed side via the casing and the holding unit on the rotating side, thereby positioning the mirror unit at the storage position or the use position;
7. The vehicle outside mirror device according to claim 6. The at least one axis includes a first axis and a second axis that are perpendicular or intersecting each other,
the holding unit holds the mirror unit rotatably in two directions about the first axis and the second axis;
The mirror angle adjustment unit includes:
A first mirror angle adjustment unit disposed above the storage unit;
A second mirror angle adjustment unit disposed outside the vehicle with respect to the storage unit;
Equipped with
the first mirror surface angle adjustment unit rotates the mirror unit about the first axis to adjust an angle of the mirror surface about the first axis;
the second mirror surface angle adjustment unit rotates the mirror unit about the second axis to adjust an angle of the mirror surface about the second axis;
The intersection of the first axis and the second axis is the center of the holding unit, which is a reference for adjusting the mirror angle, and is located close to the storage axis or on the storage axis.
8. The vehicle outside mirror device according to claim 7. The at least one shaft is an shaft that is in a twisted position or crosses the storage shaft,
the mirror surface angle adjustment unit is disposed above the storage unit, and rotates the mirror unit about the one axis to adjust the angle of the mirror surface about the one axis;
the storage unit rotates the casing, the holding unit, the mirror surface angle adjustment unit, and the mirror unit on the rotating side about the storage axis relative to the shaft and the base on the fixed side, to adjust the angle of the mirror surface around the storage axis;
The one axis is adjacent to or located on the storage axis.
8. The vehicle outside mirror device according to claim 7.

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